Supporting and empowering Namibian learners

Aurelia Afrikaner
  • 11 Months Ago
In 2022, the Empowering Education – Bildung Stärken initiative was founded by Dr Julia Augart, Dr Wilfred April and the Management Leadership Talent Search (Maltas) Club Namibia.

The project aims to support and empower learners in Namibia. As the pandemic and the Ukraine war have significantly impacted the world and the economy, already disadvantaged children suffer the most. Therefore, this initiative has started collecting money to support learners in Namibia with learning materials.

Since its beginning in 2011, Maltas Club Namibia has taken delight in supporting rural Namibian communities. The rural ICT programme, which was launched in 2021 in collaboration with the German embassy in Namibia, will be extended to southern Namibia in February 2024.

“The club will continue to forge partnerships nationwide to bring about change to communities where it is most needed,” April said.

During the morning break on 3 April, 171 learners at Môreson Special School in Windhoek each received a learning kit. The kit consisted of a folder, a set of colour pencils, two writing pads, two pens, two pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener. The learners were happy, proud and cheerful to receive their very own kit.

Principal Anita Kreft emphasised the importance of supporting disadvantaged learners and special education in the country, but also reminded the learners that the learning materials are not for their brothers or sisters, but for them. They should use it for their education, she urged.

“In times like these when money is tight or hard to get, we do appreciate such donations. Working with impaired learners is not rocket science, but rather a blessing you receive daily,” Kreft said.

While most financial donations are raised in Germany by Julia Augart, the stationery - valued at about N$16 000 - was bought locally by April and the Maltas Club.

The club strives to promote and empower students in higher education and is active in a variety of projects that encourage students to engage with their environment. “Although it was more challenging to raise money this year, Empowering Education continues to collect money to hopefully support learners at Suiderlig Secondary School in the south of Namibia and an additional school in one of the Kavango regions later this year,” April said.

Over the next few months, the club will host motivational talks at schools in the Khomas Region. Thereafter, it will travel to Olukonda to host the first-ever matric farewell for learners of Olukonda Secondary School in October. The club will end the year on a high note by hosting the annual Mandume Kindergarten Christmas Party in collaboration with Dinapama Manufacturing Supplies on 10 December.

An annual working holiday with this year’s president Mercy Niigambo is planned for Stellenbosch University in early 2024. The club extended its sincere gratitude to all its partners making valuable contributions in ensuring that the future leaders of tomorrow are empowered.