Windhoek: Reconnaissance Energy Namibia (ReconNamibia), in partnership with Petrofund, hosted a send-off ceremony in Windhoek to honour four science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) scholarship beneficiaries who are set to graduate in April.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the company has invested approximately N.dollars 5 million in 17 students from the Kavango East and Kavango West regions through its scholarship programme. Of these, four have completed their studies. These graduates are Mature Paulus Hamutenya, who obtained a Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Mathematics from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST); Kapapu Thimoteus and Nyandwi Juliet Haingura, who both completed a Bachelor of Science Honours in Mining Engineering at the University of Namibia (UNAM); and Tenga Patrick Mwata, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Civil Engineering from UNAM.

ReconNamibia Vice President and Country General Manager, Robert Mwanachilenga, stated that the scholarship programme currently supports 10 students in STEM disciplines and seven in nursing. "We are very pleased to witness the four of the STEM students who have completed their studies," he said. Mwanachilenga noted that the initiative forms part of the company's environmental, social, and governance commitments in the Kavango regions.

ReconAfrica President and Chief Executive Officer, Brian Reinsborough, emphasized that education remains a priority for the company, expressing that it is significant both to the company and himself personally. He encouraged the graduates to work hard and contribute to Namibia's development.

Petrofund company secretary, Julia Nekongo, reminded beneficiaries that, in line with the scholarship conditions, they are required to work in Namibia for at least three years after graduation to support the country's oil and gas sector.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Nyandwi Juliet Haingura expressed that the scholarship eased the financial burden on their families and allowed them to focus on their studies. She encouraged other young Namibians to apply for scholarships and not be discouraged by rejection, advising them to persist as obtaining a scholarship can significantly impact their university experience.