The FirstRand Namibia Foundation yesterday handed over N$2.8 million to various educational initiatives across the 14 regions of Namibia.
Speaking at a handover ceremony held at Mercure hotel (former Safari hotel), FirstRand Foundation Board Chairperson Clara Bohitile highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to improving the provision of education to Namibian children.
“The FirstRand Foundation has continued to increase our commitment towards youth empowerment through education by availing funds and support to numerous government schools, afterschool centers, Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes and other education initiatives to make a substantial difference in our communities” she said.
“One of our main priorities is to promote the provision of high-quality education for all children, especially those from disadvantaged homes, in order to ensure that Namibia develops into a globally competitive and capable nation. We believe that making smart and effective investments in our youth’s education is critical for developing the human capital that will see an end to poverty in our country. At the core of this strategy is the need to tackle the learning crisis, put an end to learning poverty, and help youth acquire the advanced cognitive, socioeconomic, technical, and digital skills they need to succeed in today’s world” she added.
When delivering the keynote address, First Lady of the Republic of Namibia Monica Geingos, said that education is too important to leave to the government alone adding that the gaps that currently exist can only be filled by the private sector.
“When we think of free education, we need to realise that there is still an expectation for everyone to participate even in the smallest ways. Academic performance and outcomes are influenced by socio-economic factors, and we all have a responsibility to do our part in shaping the trajectory of a child’s development. Investing in the people behind these educational initiatives is how the FirstRand Foundation makes a difference in the lives of Namibian children” Geingos said.
Additionally, Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Faustina Caley expressed gratitude to the FirstRand Foundation adding that the donation will go a long way in the education and holistic development of the Namibian Child.
“This is yet again an excellent example of Public Private Partnership, which is geared towards the attainment of our National Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan. You are indeed complementing government efforts to ensure the provision of quality education to our learners. Under your core focus areas, Area 1, on educational and financial literacy is very clear that you make deliberate investments in “programmes to improve management and other skills in education- from early childhood development to tertiary – in support of Vision 2030.” True to the motto of FNB Namibia, ‘’How can we help you?’’ it is once again apparent that you have the interest of this country at heart, for it is my believe that an investment in education, is an investment in the future” she explained.
She further called upon other corporate entities and private citizens to emulate the Foundation’s investment through the Ministry’s flagship programme known as the Friends of Education in Namibia-Special Initiative (FENSI).
“This programme came about as we realised that government alone cannot address the challenges we face in education. My notion has always been that education is a societal issue, thus the involvement of the broader society is of paramount importance. We know too well that our task at hand, is to provide quality education to the children of Namibia and our resolve remains strong, now more than ever before to achieve just that” she concluded.
The list of beneficiaries includes the One Economy Foundation Talented Individual Programme; Nakanyale Private Academy; African Child Development Trust; KAYECT Trust; Tsumkwe Secondary School – Eduvision; St Barnabas Primary School – Edulution; Adhoc Primary and Secondary School Donations; Amos Meerkat Early Childhood Development Programme; Mondesa Youth Opportunities Trust; DEGNOS and Kanono Combined School amongst others.