THE operator of the Kudu Gas licence area, BW Kudu and National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) have announced a significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at promoting education and addressing educational disparities in Namibia.
During a recent ceremony, BW Kudu officially handed over its CSR contribution to Physically Active Youth (PAY), a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children in Katutura, in Windhoek. The contribution, in the form of scholarships and support, is expected to play a pivotal role in empowering young people to overcome educational barriers.
PAY has been a beacon of hope for many underprivileged pupils, offering free meals and after-school tuition to nurture their growth. The initiative also identifies academically gifted pupils and provides them scholarships to pursue their education at private schools like Combretum Trust School and Windhoek International School, which is a crucial step towards bridging the education gap.
Namibia ranks second on the Gini coefficient scale, which leaves a lot of room for improvement as the country faces significant educational inequalities. Recognising these challenges, BW Kudu stated it is committed to supporting the cause of equity in education.
“Namcor and BW Kudu are thrilled to contribute to education, a vital pillar of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outlook. We believe that education is key to a brighter future, and we are determined to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Namibian youth,” said Klaus Endresen, general manager at BW Kudu.
In alignment with the Physically Active Youth organization, this initiative underscores BW Kudu’s dedication to its three core CSR objectives, namely education, sponsorship in sports, and social initiatives. By focusing on education, BW Kudu and Namcor aim to create opportunities for young talent to flourish.
“The scholarships, funded by BW Kudu, will support two deserving students for a duration of two years.
These pupils are enrolled at Combretum, where they will receive guidance and resources needed to achieve their academic goals. BW Kudu remains committed to driving positive change in the communities where it operates, and this educational initiative is a step towards that goal,” read a BW Kudu statement.
BW Kudu is a subsidiary of BW Energy Limited, an independent oil and gas company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in Norway.
PAY is a community based after-school project that focuses on the healthy development of underprivileged children in low-income areas in Katutura. The programme offers a holistic approach to address the nutritional, academic, physical and life-skills needs of young people. PAY’s mission is to nurture self-confidence, critical thinking, and active citizenry in young Namibians, coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, who will contribute to a more equal and knowledge-based Namibia.