27-02-2023 BoN Bursary Awards

27 February 2023 | Media Release
 

BANK OF NAMIBIA AWARDS 8 BURSARIES TO EXCELLING STUDENTS

1. The Bank of Namibia, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, awarded eight (8) bursaries to deserving students to pursue their tertiary education in various fields of studies at SADC institutions of higher learning.
2. The students were accepted to pursue their studies in accounting, mathematics, economics, statistics and IT (artificial intelligence) for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
3. The Bank awards bursaries based on merit after a thorough search and interviews with selected individuals. To date, the Bank has availed 183 bursaries from the inception of the programme. Of this total, twenty-three (23) are current bursary holders at various universities. Altogether 449 students from across the country applied for the undergraduate and postgraduate bursaries in 2022 from which the Bank carefully selected the following eight successful beneficiaries:

• Ipawa NH Sheya - Bachelor of Mathematical Science at the University of Stellenbosch
• Liliana Charity Walubita - Bachelor of Science in Computing at the University of Namibia (UNAM)
• Christiaan Dirk Prinsloo - Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Statistics), at University of Cape Town
• Nanvula Lily Mukata - Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accounting) at the Namibia University of Science & Technology
• Mr. Al-zarrio Naheer Beukes - Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accounting) at the University of Stellenbosch
• Elsabe Whitey Reinecke - Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accounting) at Namibia University of Science & Technology
• Liandrew Kluivert Cloete - Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accounting) at Namibia University of Science & Technology.
• Sanette Penelao Sheetekela - Masters in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Cape Town (UCT)

4. The Bank's Deputy Governor, Mr. Ebson Uanguta, underscored the significance of the Bank's dedication to its CSR over the last 20 years . ‘’ The Bank recognizes exceptional students through the bursary program who will fulfill future requirements related to the Bank’s operations and the overall Namibian economy. This is why the Bank’s bursary scheme places emphasis on ensuring that we provide students with educational opportunities that will not only equip them with the skills to pursue their career aspirations but also enable them to lead fulfilling lives.’’
5. The Deputy Governor emphasized the link between the Bank's strategic direction and the need for equivalent areas of research. ‘’Namibia has undergone an exceptional acceleration in digitalization, similar to other rising economies. As part of our Strategic Plan, the Bank continues to drive greater digital transformation, financial inclusion, and economic growth in Namibia. As we look forward to a fully digital economy, our aim is to ensure we bridge the skills gap in the priority areas, as the country is indeed in need of the skills to move to the next level and the chosen field of studies for which the bursaries will be awarded today, will take our economy forward by building future resilience and innovation capacity.’’
6. To further the agenda of inclusivity, the Bank ensures that students from marginalized communities benefit from the program. In order to do this, at least two of the bursaries are awarded to students from these regions each year, as has been the case for the last nine years.
7. The bursary scheme covers the students’ tuition fees, textbooks, transportation, accommodation, living related costs for the duration of studies and a return flight ticket for those admitted outside the country. The Bank of Namibia is steadfast in its efforts to foster the development of competent individuals who will propel Namibia's economy and fulfill the country's developmental goals.