By William J. Mbangula ONDANGWA NedBank has donated 20 computers worth N$75 000 to four schools as its contribution towards launching of training programmes in computers and Information Technology at an early stage. The bank’s Group Manager for Marketing and Communication, Pangwa Gabriel told the hand-over ceremony at Shinime Iimvula Primary School at Ondangwa that ploughing back profits into the community is part of its social responsibility strategy to invest in education. “We want to expose the young learners at an early stage to computer and Information Technology skills so that when they join the job market after school there is no need to teach them basic computer skills.” Gabriel believes learners will use the computers for multi purposes such as researching for intellectual property, subjects, communication and many others. Besides, the donation to Shinime Iimvula Primary School came as a token of appreciation to the school because when it was established in 1993, it became the first among the educational institutions to open an account with the bank. “When we were considering who should benefit from our social grants in and around Ondangwa, it was not difficult for us because this school was the first to become our customer. As a result we decided to plough back our profits into this specific school.” Gabriel pointed out that the donation to schools is part of many good things to come in order to help address the imbalances of the past with regard to computer knowledge and information technology. NedBank, he said, has a strategy of ploughing back its profits from areas it normally makes profit. The principal of Shinime Iimvula Primary School Victoria Nashongo lauded NedBank for the donation, saying the computers came at a time when they were most needed. Before the donation, the school had only one computer but with the addition of five more, she said, the learners and teachers together will be able to improve their electronic skills. Other schools that benefited from the same sponsorship are Oshikango (Ohangwena), Erundu (Oshana) and Okaepe Primary School in Otjozondjupa region. NedBank also sponsored, through the Ondangwa Town Council, the construction of the Open Market (Omatala), the renovation of wards in Onandjokwe Hospital (about N$300 000) and only last Tuesday, July 25, it gave N$7 000 to NANTU Debating Society to help teachers improve their debating and English skills.