Bank Windhoek recently handed over a cheque of N$ 57 000 to the Namibian College of Open Learning’s (Namcol) Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting students.

The scholarships will cover all academic expenses of the 19 first-year diploma students across the country. Bank Windhoek remains one of Namcol’s most important stakeholders as they continue to immensely support the college. 

Both Namcol and Bank Windhoek believe that the Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting bears the enormous potential to initiate change amongst hard-of-hearing Namibians as they play an important role in shaping the world’s future. 

Namcol CEO Dr Heroldt Murangi said the main aim of each interpreter is to make the communication experience as complete as possible for both hearing and deaf or hard-of-hearing people. Thus, sign language interpreters remove language barriers. 

“This great endeavour will allow inclusive education for our hard-of-hearing Namibians,” he reiterated. 

Sign language tutors Gater Aramas and Lizette Beukes expressed their excitement about the scholarships, saying it will help them secure enough resources for all students.

In addition, Beukes said their teaching experience at Namcol has been overwhelming, despite the challenges. 

“I hope now that our students who received these resources will make sure they perform excellently so that our sponsors can continue sponsoring,” she enthused. 

The Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting entails a two-year course.