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Home / Ohorongo Cement benefits three nursing students
Ohorongo Cement benefits three nursing students
2016-04-27Staff Report 2 WINDHOEK Three disadvantaged nursing students received bursaries from Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust (OOCT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS), to further pursue their studies. The handover took place in Windhoek on Monday where the three students, one from Welwitchia University and two from the University of Namibia (Unam), received bursaries totaling N$60 540. Ohorongo Cement approached the MOHSS for guidance regarding the allocation of bursaries within the healthcare fraternity. The decision to award the bursaries to the selected students was made by deputy minister, Juliet Kavetuna, who made the selection based on merit in a clear and transparent manner. “Instead of just supporting one student within healthcare, it made more sense to assist more than one student, especially in light of the fact that they are disadvantaged,” said Kavetuna. Ohorongo Cement is no newcomer in its support for Namibian communities. To date the company has invested more than N$10 million towards various social responsibility projects throughout Namibia. Youth Corner brings you this interview with one of the student beneficiaries, Helena Hofeni. Where did your interest in nursing start? Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a nurse. I’ve always been passionate about nursing. When a nurse passed by me I would look at her until I could no longer see her. I would always cry to escort my mom to the clinic/hospital, just to look at a nurse, the way they dress and talk to the patients. I was just in love with the profession and today I see myself chasing after my dream, doing what I love to do to the best of my abilities. Is this your first year of studies? No, it’s actually my third year. How will the bursary from Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust affect your life? It has changed the rest of my life. I’ve really been struggling to pay my tuition fees. Some people even looked down on me, saying I will never finish, that I should just quit instead and go look for a job, but I kept my faith and kept on praying for assistance. I’m particularly appreciative towards the Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust for selecting me as one of the recipients of the bursaries. I personally feel very privileged and touched to receive their support. It is such an amazing feeling to know that there is this network of support out there, assisting students in their educational pursuits. So many students feel hopeless at the thought of not being able to afford tertiary education, and many give up looking for sources of assistance before their senior years even start. I thank Ohorongo Cement from the bottom of my heart for their support in my educational adventure and for showing confidence in my future. I cannot adequately express how appreciative I am of their assistance! If you had to give advice to other young ones out there, what would it be? Study, study and study very hard. Take your life seriously. Never give up on your dreams, and never stop dreaming. Do not abuse alcohol and drugs and when engaging in sexual activity, please always use a condom. I’m not going to say abstain, because it is just impossible for some. Namibia would like to have a an educated nation in future, not a sick nation! 2016-04-27Staff Report 2
