By: Nghiinomenwa Erastus
The Bank of Namibia awarded seven Namibian students bursaries to pursue their undergraduate studies at various local and SADC institutions of higher learning.
The central bank acting director for communication, Kazembire Zemburuka, announced the award.
The bursaries were awarded with the bank’s commitment to capacity development and fulfilling its corporate social responsibility.
Zemburuka explained that the awarded students demonstrated excellent academic performance in their grade 12 results of 2021 and were accepted to study various programs ranging from Accounting, Mathematics, Computer Science in Cyber Security and Economics.
The fortunate ones were Tuyakula Uugwanga, Dezi Murorua, Frieda Barnabas, Ishmael Situnda, Billy Reminder, Auleria Vihemba Mukonda and Tangi Tuna Haifidi.
During the award ceremony, the deputy governor, Ebson Uanguta, highlighted the dedication and commitment shown by the students despite the most unprecedented times.
He said the entire education sector had been challenged with numerous disruptions to the academic calendar over the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moreover, the situation was made worse last year.
These same students had to sit for exams for a second time, which brought about many other challenges, such as difficulties registering at tertiary institutions with internal deadlines.
Uanguta explained that the central bank recognises that capacity building and skills development are fundamental to realising a knowledge-based economy as envisioned in the national development plans.
As a result, the BoN continues to invest in a bursary scheme in highly sought areas to support talented young people to become knowledge workers upon graduation.
Uanguta added that through its Bursary Scheme, the Bank of Namibia ensures that the next generation of employees and leaders will be equipped to meet evolving market demands for skills and innovation.
The deputy governor urged the students to dedicate their time wisely to complete their studies. At the same time, the bank continues its commitment to creating an enabling environment and providing the necessary support through the bursary scheme.
The bursary scheme covers the students’ tuition fees, textbooks, transportation, accommodation, living-related costs for the duration of studies and a return flight ticket for those admitted outside the country.
The bank has availed 144 undergraduate bursaries to well-deserving students- of this total, 21 are current undergraduate bursary holders at various universities.
