Between January and February 2024, Bank Windhoek donated toiletries and stationery items to the Baumgartsbrum Farm School and the Rocky Crest High School in Windhoek. The initiative is part of Bank Windhoek’s Empathy Project.

Situated about 20 kilometres from Windhoek towards the Daan Viljoen dam, Baumgartsbrum Farm School is a government boarding school accommodating 280 learners from less privileged backgrounds, mainly from the surrounding farms. Upon receiving the donations, the school’s principal Maureen Gariseb expressed her gratitude to the bank, and said this would mean a lot to the learners. “It will boost their confidence as school starts. We are so grateful for this donation, and encourage the bank to continue doing more,” she added.  

Justine Klein, the principal of Rocky Crest High School, said it is pleasing to see companies meeting their social responsibility obligations and being inclusive with school donations. 

“This is a good initiative by Bank Windhoek, as the numbers of vulnerable learners without parents are increasing yearly. Most of them cannot afford basic needs,” she noted. 

Klein added: “Teachers do help, but it is not enough, since they are also struggling. This donation will go a long way, and many learners eat during the life skills class because they do not have something to eat at home. Thank you, Bank Windhoek; this will benefit the Namibian child.” The Rocky Crest High School has 478 learners. 

Thandeka Goxobes, a volunteer at the Rocky Crest High School’s feeding programme, said the bank’s assistance came at the right time. “I did not know where to get some food for the learners for the next few months. My heart is for the learners, and this donation will help them have something to eat. They are the future,” she observed.

The Bank Windhoek Empathy Project is an annual outreach which aims to spark the spirit of generosity within the community by empowering its employees to give back to worthy communities or initiatives that need support. “As a caring institution, we have noticed that this time of the year is always challenging for schools and their learners. For this reason, we have identified a couple of schools that we can support to kick-start their calendar year to continue Bank Windhoek’s crucial role in uplifting the community in which we operate,” said the bank’s executive officer of marketing and corporate communication services, Jacquiline​ Pack.

Every year, Bank Windhoek allocates N$500 000 in seed capital for its branches, agencies and departments to invest in education initiatives in their immediate communities. The Empathy Project takes place across Namibia. 

Pack added that among other social responsibilities, the Bank Windhoek Empathy Project aims to remind staff members of the importance of showing empathy among people. “It is the cornerstone of Bank Windhoek’s existence as a responsible corporate citizen.”