2008-02-07Staff Report 2 "By Lynette Kozosi WINDHOEK Old Mutual recently donated N$6 700 to the Dolam Children's Home in Katutura. The donation in the form of stationery and school uniforms, is part of Old Mutual's Foundation Staff Community Builder Programme of empowering local communities. The Staff Community Builder is an internal programme, which offers Old Mutual employees the opportunity to become involved in community projects of their choice. Funds are made available to projects that are well managed and demonstrate commitment from a staff member involved. The Executive Manager of Old Mutual Marketing, Nangula Kauluma-Gontes, said that the opportunity to enhance the lives of ordinary Namibians, especially those outside normal business circles, is an exciting privilege that Old Mutual embraces with passion. ""A sense of social responsibility is absolutely central to our objectives in Namibia. We are proud of our social responsibility and sponsorship programmes which involves a high level of community development,"" she said. The Dolam Children's Home, an orphanage situated in Dolam, Katutura, accommodates around 18 children that have been placed there by the State through the courts. The children end up at the home for different reasons, such as HIV/ Aids, abuse and negligence. Others are orphans. The children's grades range from Grade 1 to Grade 10. Kauluma-Gontes urged the learners to take their education seriously and to take it beyond a high school diploma. ""You should remember that with the knowledge obtained during your schooling years, you will be able to achieve great confidence later in life,"" she said. Chairperson of the Dolam Children's Home Rosa Namises said they were grateful that Old Mutual gave them what they needed. ""Thanks to Old Mutual, each child will now have a chance to own their own ruler or school file,"" she said. Namises further said information they give to the children has an impact, even though the house mothers have a tough time sometimes. ""We don't just provide a formal education to these children but also a social education and self confidence building which is going to help them one day when they are out there in the world on their own,"" Namises said. Other organisations and communities like the Keetmanshoop Old Age Home, Child Development Fund, and Eros Primary School, Okaundja Old Age Home, Project Etango, to mention but a few, have benefited from the fund as well. " 2008-02-07Staff Report 2
