Niël Terblanché
As NamWater continues to partner with various stakeholders to make a lasting, positive impact on communities across Namibia.
In this regard, NamWater has demonstrated its commitment to improving education and community development in Namibia’s Hardap Region with a substantial donation aimed at equipping young learners for academic success.
At a ceremony on Monday which was attended by key stakeholders, NamWater handed over stationery supplies valued at N$381 660 to ten primary schools which is a substantial investment in the educational landscape of southern Namibia.
Kadiva Hamutumwa, NamWater’s Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer, stated that the initiative is part of NamWater’s extensive Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme.
Hamutumwa explained that the programme is aligned with Namibia’s national development goals and is designed to address pressing needs in education, health, and infrastructure.
“By supporting learners with the necessary tools for academic success, we are investing in the socio-economic well-being of our communities,” Hamutumwa said while reiterating NamWater’s dedication to uplifting Namibian society.
The donation was well-received by the ten schools, including Tsumis Primary, Anna Maasdorp Primary, and Rietoog Primary, among others, all of which will benefit directly from the initiative.
For many of these schools, located in remote and underserved areas, access to quality stationery has been a significant hurdle.
By alleviating this burden, NamWater’s contribution allows schools to allocate resources more effectively toward other needs, ultimately improving the learning environment.
“Besides the stationery donation, NamWater’s broader CSI strategy includes support for infrastructure and ICT, as well as psychosocial services, aiming to address the holistic needs of learners,” he said.
According to Hamutumwa, NamWater’s commitment to Hardap does not stop at school stationery.
“Through its CSI programme, the NamWater aims to foster sustainable community development and improve quality of life across Namibia,” he said.
He added that by focusing on strategic areas such as education and health, NamWater hopes to contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s national development objectives, supporting a vision of empowered communities and improved standards of living.
“We aim to build stronger, more resilient communities that thrive in every aspect of life,” he said.
Salomon April, the Governor of the Hardap Region, commended NamWater’s role in bridging resource gaps in education. He noted that such partnerships are essential in overcoming educational challenges and reiterated that this donation represents more than just school supplies; it symbolizes an opportunity for the region’s future.
“Today’s donation goes beyond the provision of school supplies; it signifies opening doors to knowledge and opportunity for our learners,” April remarked
He also called on other private entities to contribute to the education sector.
April stressed the importance of the donation and said that the benefits become clearer when viewed in light of Namibia’s 2021 Multidimensional Poverty Index, which highlighted educational resources as a major area of concern.
The governor added that many rural schools struggle to provide even basic supplies, impacting students’ ability to participate fully in their studies.
“NamWater’s intervention is a timely response to these challenges and represents a commitment to creating environments where learners can thrive,” he said.
April stressed the critical need for a collective approach to uplift educational standards.
“We must continue to build a future where no learner is left behind,” he said while expressing hope that NamWater’s contribution would inspire further private-sector involvement in education.
He added that in a region where resources are scarce, this kind of support is invaluable in enabling schools to focus on teaching rather than grappling with budget constraints for basic supplies.
