The Namibian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Friday officially sent off 22 students awarded scholarships to pursue studies in various air navigation services disciplines, with one recipient describing the opportunity as life-changing after years of struggling to complete his studies.
The students will undergo specialised aviation training in different countries over the course of the year. The first group began their training on Monday, while the second group will travel to Kenya from 25 May to 14 December this year to study at the East African School of Aviation.
Meanwhile, a third group consisting of nine scholarship recipients will specialise in aerodrome courses at ATNS in South Africa from 1 June until 26 November.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony, held at NCCA headquarters in Windhoek, one of the students said the scholarship meant “everything” to him, adding that the opportunity has the potential to completely transform both his life and that of his family.
“This opportunity means everything to me. It is something that can completely change my life and my family’s future. I had previously dropped out of school due to financial challenges,” he said.
The student added that despite the challenges he faced in the past, he never gave up on his dreams and remained hopeful that one day he would receive a breakthrough opportunity.
“I knew one day I would get such an opportunity to pursue my studies without having to worry about how I was going to pay fees to attend lessons or write exams. I am grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
The NCAA’s human capital representative, Tuyeimo Martin, congratulated the scholarship recipients and expressed confidence in their ability to represent both the institution and the country well during their studies abroad.
“We are proud of all the recipients, and we believe they will make both the company and the country proud,” she said.
The scholarships form part of efforts aimed at strengthening Namibia’s aviation sector by developing skilled professionals in air navigation and aerodrome services. So far, the initiative has benefited over 30 students who have gone through the same training.