Debmarine Namibia recently awarded bursaries to 26 students as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and driving excellence in Namibia’s skills and educational landscape.
Bursaries were awarded in fields vital to the marine diamond recovery industry, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, nautical science, marine engineering as well as navigational watch.
The recipients already embarked on their educational journeys at esteemed institutions of higher learning in both Namibia and South Africa.
Apart from academic bursaries, Debmarine Namibia also supports vocational students in completing their trades through bursaries after the successful completion of job attachments at the company.
The recipients are Elizabeth Amunyela, Hannes Itope, Ester Abraham, Amber Alania Coetzee, Jackobina Shikalepo, Hope-Elizabeth Nelongo, Melania Kalimbo, Senanses Au Khui Hansen, Saima Kertu Ndengu, Tseline Kalimbo, Russell Dirkie Uiseb, Junias Imalwa, Rodney Amufufu, Petrus Joseph, Elizabeth Imbamba, Rebeca Angula, Paulus Namweya, Silas Kalumbu, Nafimane Erastus, Frieda Fillemon, Helena Shikongo and Charlton Coetzee.
For former bursary holder and current Debmarine employee Heike Labuschagne, the bursary was an opportunity to start his journey as an engineer within an excellent company that aims to invest in its employees.
“I am most fortunate that my application was a success, and that I was able to start my studies at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. During my course of study, which was not an easy road for me, I received all the support needed from Debmarine to be able to complete my degree,” he said.
He added that today, he is employed as an electrical engineer in training at Debmarine, where the company is assisting him is in the process of obtaining his Government Certificate of Competency (GCC), during which he will have the opportunity to visit underground mines in South Africa, and gain knowledge on how they operate.
“During the six years I have already been involved with the company, I have also received the opportunity to visit their mining vessels, and have recently been able to visit the in-port site to gain as much exposure to the industry as possible,” he said.
Willy Mertens, Chief Executive Officer of Debmarine Namibia, stated the significance of investing in education to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and excellence in marine diamond recovery.
“It is important to invest in the education of a Namibian child because they are the leaders of tomorrow. We need to support them as much as we can,” he said.
“In recognition of academic excellence, Ainley Amunyela, pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Namibia. She was honoured with the Diamond for Science Award - Science Scholar. Toini Velishavo and Lucia Hilarius, both studying for a Bachelor of Education at the University of Namibia, have been awarded the Diamond Award for Science - Science and Maths Teacher scholarship,” he said.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Elke Hanstein, Debmarine’s human resources development and organisational development manager, highlighted the company’s annual investment of approximately N$127 million in learning and development, emphasising its dedication to developing skilled workers for both the company and Namibia as a whole.
Debmarine Namibia’s bursary scheme aims to attract exceptional talents to the company. Each bursary encompasses full-time university studies, covering registration and tuition fees, travel, meal and accommodation costs, study materials and relevant additional expenses.
“In addition to marine recovery-related bursaries, Debmarine Namibia extends its support through The Diamond for Science Award - Science Scholar and Diamond Award for Science -Science and Maths Teacher scholarships. These awards offer full scholarships to outstanding science scholars and teachers in Namibia, providing them with opportunities to pursue tertiary education in the science field at their institution of choice in Namibia or South Africa,” he said.
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