In a bid to support students’ academic lifespan, the University of Namibia’s charity arm – UNAM Foundation, recently received and gifted three disadvantaged students with brand new laptops.
The donation, made by UNAM Alumni, was handed over to students, identified by the Directorate of Student Affairs (DSA), on 13 May 2022.
During the handover ceremony, Assistant Director of the foundation, Tango Kandjaba, stated that the foundation acts as the liaison between willing donors and students in need.
“Given the advent of online teaching, as a result of Covid-19, these donors reached out to the foundation and donated laptops to aid students’ online learning,” said Kandjaba.
He further stated that in order to ensure that the process was just and fair, the foundation consulted DSA – a body that works closely with students.
“With a thorough understanding that the DSA’s office works closely with students, the foundation deemed it necessary to involve the directorate for transparency and to ensure that students in dire circumstances are selected”, said the assistant director.
One of the recipients of the laptop is Rosita Albinus, a second-year Bachelor of Science student studying Environmental Biology. Rosita faces physical challenges, which affected her academically to the extent of discontinuing her studies in 2020.
“It has been such a challenge for me to attend my online lessons or write my assignments, therefore, I am really grateful”, said an elated Albinus.
The other recipients include Ndamonongenda Ndamupanga, a 3rd year Bachelor of Nursing from Rundu Campus, and Thomas Simon, a 1st year Bachelor of Nursing student from Southern Campus.
“On behalf of the DSA’s office, I want to say thank you for the extra mile that you always go to assist us. We appreciate your kind gesture and will therefore assure that the students put these laptops to good use”, said Markishuana Nependa, the Student Councilor of DSA.
UNAM Foundation is an independent body that encourages private financial support to enable the university to fulfill its mission as the national institute of higher education. The foundation, therefore, is open to all donations from willing donors in support of disadvantaged students.
Original article by: Laurentius Mahongo
