OSHAKATI: Old Mutual Namibia on Tuesday donated four computers to the Onamavo Primary School (PS), Engoyi Combined School (CS), Uukuma CS and Onashikuvu CS in the Oshikoto Region.
The four computers have a combined valued of N.dollars 22 300.
The patron of the schools and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dr Nickey Iyambo approached Old Mutual’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Operations, Sakaria Nghikembua, for a donation to the schools last year.
Nghikembua was in Oshakati on Tuesday to officially hand over the computers to Iyambo in the presence of the principals of the said schools, representatives of the regional education office in the region and some local employees of Old Mutual.
He told those present that his company continuously strives to build on strengthening communities, and this gesture now means the schools can execute their administrative tasks appropriately.
“The Old Mutual Foundation serves as our primary vehicle to deliver on our economic and social transformation vision for Namibia, and our support here today is exemplary of our continuous efforts in engaging with communities to address socio-development initiatives countrywide,” Nghikembua noted.
He added that Government alone cannot succeed in the education needs of all schools and, as such, corporate companies should also actively engage in community development programmes.
Speaking at the same event, Iyambo revealed that to date, 210 school principals had benefitted from leadership courses through Old Mutual’s annual Principals’ Academy.
The company has also already donated various items such as photocopiers, computers and many other types of equipment to many schools in the country.
“This is commendable, and I want to thank Old Mutual for their relentless efforts to add value to the socio-economic development of Namibia, especially in the development of education, through technology donations,” Iyambo stated.
He described education as a community commitment, adding that it is not the work of teachers only.
Iyambo then called on all Namibians, especially members of the communities in which schools are situated and the business community to get involved in educating the nation by assisting schools which are not in a position to acquire equipment like computers, photocopiers, fax machines and library books.
The Deputy Director of Education in the Oshikoto Region, Vilho Shipuata also applauded Old Mutual, calling the company a ‘smart partner’ of the education sector.
Shipuata described the donated computers as ‘valuable and serviceable items’, which will enhance the process of teaching and learning in the region.
Some 40 per cent of schools in the Oshikoto Region are yet to be equipped with computers.
School principals Ndapewa Nghipandulwa (Onashikuvu CS); Johannes Akwaake (Onamavo PS); Meriam Ndaoya (Engoyi CS) and Johanna Nangombe (Uukuma CS) received the computers on behalf of their respective schools.