As part of their corporate social responsibility, Namibia Asset Management recently organised a bursary handover ceremony at the University of Namibia Foundation to support higher education in Namibia.
The event was a glamorous affair, bringing together various critical stakeholders in the advancement of higher education in the country.
At the ceremony, Prof Frednard Gideon, UNAM Pro-Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, expressed gratitude towards Namibia Asset Management for their efforts in alleviating the financial burden faced by Namibian families, and in so doing enabling students to complete their academic journeys.
He also noted that Namibia Asset Management inadvertently joined UNAM in fulfilling the mandate of providing improved access to quality higher education.
Many students go through hardships in obtaining funding for their studies, especially during their undergraduate season. Many are forced to find jobs or attempt small-scale businesses in search of funding.
Mr Tarah Shaanika, CEO of Namibia Asset Management, stated that although they received numerous applications for student bursaries, only a select group of students were unfortunately deemed eligible due to limited resources.
Successful student selection was based on two criteria. These included the academic performance of the student and the financial need of the student after a thorough background check, explained Mr Shaanika.
Ms Bernadette Bock, the executive director of UNAM Foundation remarked that “there is no doubt that education is the foundation for economic development, as it is the acquisition and utility of knowledge that drives our nation.”
Over a period of four years, the Namibia Asset Management company has supported about 16 students in Namibia under the “Namibia Asset Management Funds” to completely pay off their studies, explained Ms Bock.
Rion/Narib, a first-year student at UNAM pursuing a Bachelor of Chartered Accounting degree, expressed his gratitude for being selected from a pool of students. He stated, “We feel privileged and highly appreciate the opportunity presented to us.”
Tangi Amushelelo, a second-year UNAM student studying Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics, shared that financial constraints made it difficult for him to reach his second year. He expressed his relief that this bursary would alleviate some of the burdens on his parents.
As the University experience shapes a student’s future, they are encouraged to embrace it wholeheartedly and make the most of it.
Original Story by: Laurentius Mahongo
