The NAMDIA Foundation, established in 2019 to function as NAMDIA’s Corporate Social Responsibility vehicle with the purpose to contribute towards the alleviation of Namibia’s social and economic ills through the focus areas of Education, Health & Sports, on Wednesday launched a bursary scheme named in honour of Zacharias Lewala.
Lewala discovered the first diamond in Namibia in 1908 at Kolmanskuppe.
The Foundation, through its bursary scheme aims to award 14 bursaries valued at N$200 000 maximum per year to one student from each region annually to pursue their tertiary education.
The event in Windhoek which was attended by Ms Itah Kandjii-Murangi, Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, who delivered the keynote address, and Mr Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, and other guests from the education and private sectors, announced that the bursary scheme is open to all Namibians under the age of twenty-five years (25) who wish to pursue full-time studies at a recognized tertiary education institution and are in possession of a Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSCO) or equivalent permitting registration as a student.
An above average academic performance in Grade 12 April and August exams and the final year end results are required to be 30 points and above.
The bursary is granted for one field of study and each applicant can only participate once in the scheme for the full completion of a qualification in a particular field of study.
An added advantage will be given to qualifications in the diamond industry value chain and in the scarce skills fields, including but not limited to the fields of Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Scientist, Climate Change Scientist, Agricultural Scientist, Industrial Engineer, Mining and Vocational Educational Training.
Students from the marginalised communities who meet the criteria will receive preference in selection.
In addition to the eligibility criteria applicants must provide Grade 12 academic final exam performance results; admission confirmation from an institution of higher learning; comprehensive CV, inclusive of certified copies of national identification documents, and final Grade 12 transcript or certificate.
The applicant must also submit a motivation why he or she wants to be awarded a bursary; and provide provisional costing of the total programme if possible and provide a timeframe of his or her study.
Students will be required to work anywhere in Namibia for a period equivalent to the years of study funded by NAMDIA.
“Since inception, NAMDIA has spent over N$30 million on other various impact programs and prioritizing investment into initiatives such as this Bursary Scheme, NAMDIA’s organizational objectives remain focused and support the objectives of the Government’s development agenda and contribute to the Harambee Prosperity Plan and Vision 2030 through the provision of a qualified and skilled workforce,” said NAMDIA’s spokesperson Ms Beverley Coussement.
In the photo: This year’s bursary beneficiaries, with some NAMDIA officials.
