WINDHOEK – The Knowledge Foundation, the social responsibility institution of flamboyant businessman Knowledge Katti, awarded bursaries worth N$590 000 to 31 undergraduate students from local institutions.
The foundation received about 500 bursary applications, of which 31 lucky students were selected for sponsorship.
The bursary recipients are pursuing studies in the fields of accounting, law, architecture, information communication technology and media studies, at the University of Namibia and Polytechnic of Namibia.
Katti, himself a graduate of accounting who went on to amass wealth through mining and petroleum exploration, said the focus of the financial support is to assist students whose families are struggling to pay for their studies.
He said young people must be given the opportunity to prove themselves. “We strongly believe in the potential of our young people to improve their lives and make a difference,” he said.
“However in order to realise their full potential, the support we provide each year – as we have done for the past five years – is our way of enabling young Namibians to open doors to a better future.”
In its five years of providing financial support to young Namibians, this is the highest number of students to be supported in a single academic year since the initiative started in 2010.
“We are aware of the great needs that exist in our country for students to secure funding for their studies. We are doing the best we can,” noted Katti.
He further stated that the foundation aims to increase the number of beneficiaries in future. He advised the beneficiaries to use the opportunity wisely.
“Study smart, be focused at all times and work hard. The opportunity to study should never be taken for granted. There are thousands of young Namibians who are yearning to study but do not have the opportunity to do so,” said Katti.
Neruth Xaweb, a beneficiary and law student at the University of Namibia, said getting the bursary is a great privilege. “I am grateful because not everyone gets this opportunity,” he said.