Pollen Eixab

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) will in September this year host its biennial National High School competition to educate learners about the role of the central bank and the local economy. 

Held by the bank since its inception in 2006, the competition has shaped the futures of many past participants with its bursary schemes, empowering these young people to ultimately go on and work as bankers themselves or for other financial institutions. 

“The competition aims to create a better understanding of how the decisions of the central bank affect the daily lives of every citizen as a monetary authority,” said Sandra Garises from the department of strategic communications at the Bank of Namibia (BoN). 

The competition was initiated upon realising that only a limited number of school leavers had exposure to economics as an elective subject, and an even smaller number of learners understand the role of the Bank of Namibia and the
economy. 

It further aims to broaden understanding of concepts about the structure of the Namibian economy, macroeconomic fundamentals and financial literacy.

The competition is divided  in two stages, kicking off with a regional competition throughout all Namibian regions. 

Winners of the regional rounds will then compete in the semi-finals and final.

In preparation for the competition, the bank will distribute relevant resource materials to schools that have registered to participate on the bank’s official website. 

Entries close on 22 July.

“Learners will then prepare themselves based on the resource material provided by the bank as well as the schools’ economics textbooks,” said Garises. 

Learners from grades 8 to 12 from any Namibian secondary school are eligible to participate. 

Prizes up for grabs range from an internet router for fourth place to N$10 000 for third place, N$ 30 000 for second place and the grand prize of N$50 000. 

For more information, visit www.bon.com.na or contact the regional education offices. 

- polleneixab@gmail.com