ZONE: Early assistance programme transforms learners' lives

Transforming lives
Bannerman Mining Resources Namibia has launched its 2026 Early Learner Assistance Programme, providing school uniforms and essentials to vulnerable primary school learners in the Erongo Region as part of its long-running education support initiative.
Marina Antonio
  • 1 Day Ago

Education remains a cornerstone of community development for Bannerman Mining Resources Namibia, which has officially launched its 2026 Early Learner Assistance (ELA) Programme.


The initiative, which has been running for more than 15 years, supports primary school learners by providing uniforms and essential school supplies, with the aim of encouraging school attendance among vulnerable children.


The programme is a permanent feature on the company’s annual calendar and has expanded over time to reach multiple regions across Namibia. This year’s rollout marks a return to the Erongo Region, where the initiative began in 2011.


Matjiua Hengua said the programme had become an important part of the company’s social investment efforts. “The Early Learner Assistance Programme has been part of Bannerman for 15 years, hence a permanent event on our annual calendar,” she said.


She added that supporting school attendance among vulnerable learners remained a clear priority, noting that this year’s return to Erongo carried particular significance. “This year, we are returning the donation to Erongo, where it started in 2011. It has since grown into a national project that travels to other regions across Namibia,” she said.


This year’s programme will support nearly 400 learners in the Erongo Region with new school uniforms and essential learning items.


The 2026 rollout began at Bannerman packing stations, where staff compiled learner lists from local schools and prepared individual packages to ensure correct sizing and distribution. The first phase has already been completed, with 106 learners receiving their packages, including pupils at Festus Gonteb Primary School, where beneficiaries were provided with uniforms, shoes and backpacks.


The company said the cost of uniforms remains a significant barrier to school attendance for many families, particularly in vulnerable communities. It said the provision of uniforms helps restore dignity and confidence among learners, with past beneficiaries reporting improved motivation and a stronger commitment to completing their education.


Bannerman works in partnership with the Ministry of Education, which identifies target regions, while school social workers help select learners in need of assistance. The company then funds and distributes the required support.


As the 2026 rollout continues, Bannerman said it remains committed to ensuring all identified learners receive the necessary support to remain in school and pursue their education.