Stefanus Nashama
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) Foundation bursary scheme has awarded bursaries worth N$2.8 million to 14 deserving students nationwide, for the 2024 academic year.
The program aims to address Namibia’s future social and economic challenges through education, health, and sports for the youth.
According to Namdia, the foundation received 343 applications from across the country. However, the 14 successful recipients came from each of the country’s 14 regions.
A report from Namdia shows that seven recipients are studying with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), five at the University of Namibia (UNAM), one at the International University of Management (IUM) and one at Stellenbosch.
During the application intake which ran from 5 October to 8 December 2023, the Khomas region emerged with the highest number of applications at 71, representing a share of 20.7 percent, followed by Omusati and Oshana regions in second and third place respectively while Kavango West and Hardap regions had the fewest submissions.
Alisa Amupolo, Namdia’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Foundation, in her presentation, highlighted that by providing bursaries to specific youth, the company aims to address future social and economic challenges through education, health, and sports.
The selected candidates demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a commitment to making positive impacts in their lives and those around them, said Amupolo.
“To ensure a fair and impartial assessment, the Committee placed significant emphasis on key selection criteria. The academic performance carried the greatest weight, constituting 50 percent of the total score. Furthermore, attention was given to the economic background of applicants with 20 percent weight assigned to individuals from previously disadvantaged or marginalised communities,” she explained.
Amupolo further pointed out that the preferred field of study, as outlined in the Foundation’s policy accounted for 15 percent of the score, while proof of parental or guardian income supported by certified affidavits held 10 percent.
Apart from the field of study, she mentioned that preference was granted to students pursuing studies in the Diamond Industry value chain.
This, she said, reflects the company’s commitment to fostering growth and development within the sector.
Meanwhile, Bryan Eiseb, Chairman of the Namdia Board of Directors, indicated that the class of 2023 has achieved an impressive 86 percent success rate, with 12 out of 14 students displaying outstanding academic performance.
Also speaking at the 2024 intake announcement of the bursary event, was Louise Shixwameni, the Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, who encouraged the students to pursue their studies with enthusiasm and embrace limitless possibilities.
The future of the nation depends on you, she told the students.
The Namdia Foundation bursary scheme was established in 2019, and to date, it has channelled over N$41 million into diverse impactful programs and initiatives.
The names of 2024 beneficiaries include Kapunda Patrick (Erongo), Izaaks Morientes (Hardap), Naweses Hoamdi (Karas), Kalihonda Steven (Kavango East), Karokoto Mariane (Kavango West), Nunuheb Rogeleo (Khomas), Tjindunda Katengerue (Kunene), Shaningwa Tommy (Ohangwena), Mandy Hijamutiti (Omaheke), Nondo Acti (Omusati), Zombo Yolela (Oshana), Johannes Immanuel (Oshikoto), Shangheta Justina (Otjozondjupa), and Mutonga Liswaniso (Zambezi).
