Staff Reporter |
The Capricorn Foundation, the corporate social investment arm of Capricorn Group, continues to advance access to quality education in Namibia through strategic partnerships that create sustainable and measurable impact.
Under its Education Focus Area, the Foundation has recently committed more than N$1 million to three initiatives that support vulnerable communities, strengthen early childhood development and improve learning outcomes.
The combined investment of N$1,038,608 reflects the Foundation’s commitment to being a Connector of Positive Change by supporting inclusive and equitable education initiatives that respond to socio-developmental needs across the country.
The Capricorn Foundation has committed a further N$800,000 to Development Workshop Namibia under its ECD – Play for All Programme. The funding will improve the quality of early childhood development centres in the Omaheke and Hardap regions, aligned with Namibia’s national ECD transition and reform agenda.
The programme will focus on underserved communities and target 30 ECD centres in rural and informal settlements. Olivia Amadhila, ECD Programme Manager at Development Workshop, said, “The support provided by the Capricorn Foundation is an investment in the future of our children and communities.
“By strengthening learning environments, equipping edu-carers and empowering parents, the project is helping children access safer, more nurturing spaces where they can learn, grow and thrive.
“We are grateful for the continued support of the Capricorn Foundation, which is helping to build brighter futures and create lasting impact in the Omaheke and Hardap Regions.”
In further support of early childhood development, the Foundation has also committed N$100,000 to the Side by Side Early Intervention Centre in Windhoek, which provides specialised services to children with developmental delays and disabilities, as well as to vulnerable families, through inclusive education, therapy and family support.
This intervention plays an important role in ensuring that children receive the support they need at an early stage, enabling improved long-term educational and life outcomes and promoting greater inclusivity within the education system.
Huipie van Wyk, Managing Director of Side by Side Early Intervention Centre, said, “At Side by Side, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of disability, developmental delay or socio-economic circumstances.
“The generous contribution from Capricorn Foundation strengthens our ability to provide quality educational and developmental services to vulnerable children and their families. Inclusion is not just a project; it is a lifestyle and Capricorn makes that lifestyle possible.”
With a commitment of N$138,608, the Capricorn Foundation is also investing in the OPEN DOORS Education Centre (ODEC) in Swakopmund to strengthen community-based education through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
These include structured training programmes for educators, youth and community members, promoting holistic learning, skills development and community empowerment.
Operated by the non-profit organisation Tangeni Shilongo Namibia, ODEC provides educational opportunities for children, young people and the wider community, contributing to sustainable community development and creating a lasting positive impact.
Commenting on the Foundation’s continued investment in education, Marlize Horn, Executive Director of the Capricorn Foundation, said, “We believe that education is one of the strongest ways to create lasting change in our communities.
“Through these partnerships, we are not only supporting better learning environments but also helping to unlock opportunities for children and families to grow and build a better future.
“By working with partners who understand the needs on the ground, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference together.”
The Capricorn Foundation was established by Capricorn Group in February 2020 and is registered as a welfare organisation in Namibia. The Foundation focuses on education, economic advancement, health, vulnerability and sustainability programmes, and continues to collaborate with partners across the country as a Connector of Positive Change. The Capricorn Foundation is funded by Capricorn Group’s Namibian subsidiaries, Bank Windhoek, Capricorn Asset Management and Entrepo.
In the main photo: Kapande Kaputeni, ODEC Arts and Crafts Instructor, Dina Muningirua, ODEC Centre Manager, Lewin Francke, ODEC Volunteer, Veripura Muukua, Head: Capricorn Foundation and Volkan Sazli, Founder and Director of Tangeni Shilongo Namibia.
