WALVIS BAY – The Erongo Regional Council has established a financial assistance fund to help underprivileged students in the region.
Council last year passed a resolution to assist vulnerable students, especially with registration fees when they start tertiary education, as well as learners with school supplies.
Walvis Bay Rural Constituency councillor Florian Donatus said at a press conference last week that they had been inundated in the past with assistance requests, and felt that council needed to look into the matter.
He said each constituency has a budget to assist those who need it in their respective constituency.
“The support will be granted through our constituency office, and financial support will be considered for orphans and the vulnerable between the ages of seven and 35. Also, destitute people as well as individuals with disabilities will be considered,” Donatus added.
Those applying must prove or produce outstanding educational performance reports, and must have proof of acceptance by a recognised tertiary institution in Namibia.
“Only institutions accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) will be considered. Applicants who are employed and earning more than N$5 000 will not be considered,” he observed.
Donatus said applicants whose parents have a combined income of N$10 000 will also not be considered, and payslips must be provided.
Applicants should furthermore be residing in their respective constituency for more than three years, or should attach proof of residency of the parents, guardians, or a voter’s card.
“Applicants must submit full birth certificates, and certified death certificates in cases where the parents are deceased. Applicants who are unemployed or whose parents or guardians are unemployed should submit a police declaration to support the application,” Donatus emphasised.
The assistance will be between N$1 000 up to N$5 000 maximum per student, depending on the budget.
Application forms can be obtained at various constituency offices in the Erongo region.
– edeklerk@nepc.com.na