Taimi Haihambo 

ONGWEDIVA – The chancellor of the International University of Management professor David Namwandi strives to instil entrepreneurship among the youth by providing starting capital for graduates through his trust fund. 

While donating to the less fortunate school going children at Okapya village in the Oshana region on Saturday, Namwandi said his trust fund provides seed capital to graduates through Unam, NUST, IUM and other recognised universities in Namibia who aspire to venture into business. 

The former education minister said helping graduates to break into the business sector is crucial for the country as there are fewer opportunities in Namibia’s job market. He asserted that everyone, both individuals and organisations, have the duty to contribute to employment market expansion.

“The basic idea behind seed capital is that if the beneficiary succeed, then he/she return the start capital, and if they do not, then you do not need to pay back. No curiosity, nothing at all,” continued Namwandi.

Apart from the seed money, the IUM chancellor also said his fund will also offer scholarships, exclusive to 20 students who are studying at IUM.

Namwandi, who hails from Okapya village in the Oshana region, donated goods worth over N$70 000, including school uniforms and other supplies, to learners from five different schools, toddlers, elders and church members from Oshitayi Elcin parish in Okapya village. 

Some of the pupils who received these donations were students from his previous schools. He, however, maintained that is helping all Namibians and not just the schools in the Oshana region. “Life is all about giving, and each of us should leave behind a positive legacy for future generations,” said the philanthropist.The director of education in Oshana region Hileni Amukana, said more than 15 000 less fortunate pupils are enrolled in schools in the region. Most of these children are orphans, some are living on their own, while others are living with grandparents. 

The director also pleaded with Namwandi to consider offering bursaries to learners at Namibia’s top-performing schools, Rukonga Vision School in Kavango East, which admits bright children from less privileged backgrounds.