30 October 2009
Windhoek — NamPower last week donated information communication technology (ICT) equipment worth more than N$258 000 to 26 schools across the country.
The donations were made by NamPower's Managing Director Paulinus Shilamba, who said the donations were made despite the economic challenges facing the power utility which continued to make significant investments in the education sector and other social development projects in the country.
He explained to Art Life why the parastatal had decided on this donation:
"It is now well over 10 years since NamPower has been running the project of donating ICT equipment to mainly schools. We particularly focus on ICT because we believe that ICT, if properly employed, can be a powerful enabler of development goals. Its unique characteristics dramatically improve communication and the exchange of information that strengthen and create new economic and social networks. We pledge to continue with this project for as long as we can afford to."
He said NamPower, through its NamPower Foundation, would continue to support projects in the areas of education, community development, health and social welfare, job creation and capacity, entrepreneurship and skills development.
"This is a clear indication that NamPower is not blind to the needs of the society in which it operates. We will continue to support other efforts, including those of Government, to develop members of our society, especially in the field of education," Shilamba promised.
Dr Becky Ndjoze-Ojo, Deputy Minister of Education, who attended the handing over ceremony, welcomed NamPower's partnership with education which augmented Government's efforts.
She said Government had over the past 19 years allocated a significant portion of its national budget to education compared to other African governments. Despite these efforts, however, the education sector in Namibia was still facing many challenges ranging from lack of teaching aids, basic facilities and technology and even infrastructural development.
The Ministry was therefore pleased to know that it had partners in education and particularly in the fields of science and technology, especially ICT.
"We note with appreciation what NamPower has spent to acquire this equipment to demonstrate their commitment to the upliftment of the Namibian youth through modern quality education that is scientifically and technologically inclined," Ndjoze-Ojo said. She added that Namibians were known for their strong resolve, determination and willingness to succeed in whatever they set their minds to.
"I trust that NamPower and all of us shall set our minds on higher innovative ideas in ICT to help sensitise and nurture the new minds of the Namibian youth to aspire to, and thereby take our country to greater heights," the deputy minister said.
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