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The importance of generosity

Monique Adams



Olavi Hangula, a 23-year-old London-based investment banker decided to donate to Elao Primary School.

Born and raised in Windhoek, Olavi Hangula left for the United States of America in 2015 to complete his International Baccalaureate diploma at the United World College after being awarded a scholarship while in grade 11.

Once he obtained his diploma, he continued his education in Rochester, New York, and graduated from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and a minor in business in May 2021.

As a product of gaining a scholarship and generosity, he said it felt right for him to pay it forward.

He looked back at a time when he had to wake up early and commute to work and received images of five learners dressed in their school uniform that was in a bad state.

“I immediately felt a deep void within me and knew I had to do something about it. A day later, all five learners were in sparkling new uniform from head to toe. The immediate feeling was that this is part of greater purpose and why I have been blessed in the manner in which I am,” he said.

Hangula further expressed his shock on how a child is expected to perform and be their best when they are deprived of something as simple as a proper school uniform.

With an annual pledge of more than N$15 000 to Elao Primary School for as long as he is able, he has seen to it that underprivileged learners receive uniforms, stationery and other essentials to attain an education without any hindrance to their learning.

Elao principal Nawela Ndaningina said: “We would like to express our profound gratitude to Mr Olavi Hangula for donating school uniforms to five learners to our school. I pledge to commit my support to these learners to finish their primary phase up until they have completed their secondary education. Therefore, as the principal of Elao Primary School and staff members, we wish Mr Olavi Hangula all the best in his Good Samaritan work. Blessed are the giving hands,” he said.

What more can we expect from Hangula? He intends on assisting his Okalongo community as much as possible in different avenues.

“I am looking at helping churches, more schools and clinics. All essential strings of any communal fabric. God-willing, with time, my ability to assist will expand further and cater to more citizens nationwide,” he said.