Windhoek: Nedbank Namibia has contributed classroom furniture and learning apparatus valued at N.dollars 34,000 to NeuroNexus Academy, a specialist school in Windhoek that caters for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
According to Namibia Press Agency, the support forms part of Nedbank Namibia's corporate social investment programme and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on inclusive and quality education and Goal 10 on reducing inequalities, including those linked to disability. Nedbank highlighted that the donation comes amid growing concern over limited capacity in Namibia's special needs education sector, noting that recent reports have revealed that hundreds of children are on waiting lists due to a shortage of specialised learning spaces.
NeuroNexus Academy, which opened in January 2025, was established to address this gap by providing early intervention and individualized education plans for children with ASD. The school focuses on supporting learners' communication, social development, and fine and gross motor skills. Elsje Fowler, the founder of NeuroNexus Academy, stated that the demand for autism-focused education in Namibia remains high, emphasizing the school's commitment to offering this essential service to the Namibian community. Fowler expressed the school's philosophy of respecting each child as an individual deserving the opportunity to fulfill their potential, feel safe, and be valued.
Fowler also mentioned that NeuroNexus Academy aims to create opportunities for children to pursue their interests while being supported to expand their academic and life skills. Additionally, the school seeks to serve as a center of information on autism and neurodivergent conditions to promote inclusivity and understanding in society.
Victor Maengahama, Nedbank Namibia Chief Financial Officer, reiterated the bank's commitment to addressing barriers that prevent families from accessing quality education. He emphasized that quality education is meaningful when learning environments are tailored to the needs of each child and that reducing inequality requires practical interventions that allow children to fully participate in their learning. Maengahama noted that the bank's ethos of being 'money experts who do good' guides its support for initiatives that deliver positive outcomes, including programs that support learners with specialized needs.