2008-02-26Staff Report 2 "By Staff Reporter WINDHOEK Telecom Namibia gave out bursaries to ten first year students from disadvantaged backgrounds studying at tertiary institutions last week. The bursaries will cover tuition fees, book allowances, travelling, monthly allowances, meals and accommodation for the entirety of the students' studies. Three of the beneficiaries are females who will be studying BSc Electrical, BTech Electrical Engineering, and BTech Information Technology in Namibia and South Africa. ""We at Telecom Namibia have always believed that the best way in which we can be able to respond to many of the telecommunications challenges facing us today, is through the strengthening of the talent pool,"" said Managing Director of Telecom Namibia Frans Ndoroma at the handing over of the sponsorships to the students. The total costs of the bursaries amount to N$620 000 per year, which is N$2.9 million over four years. Equally, the institution has identified 72 of its employees who will attend upgrading programmes at the Polytechnic of Namibia. Fifty-six employees have been granted loans to study in fields relevant to the telecommunications sector. This will cost the institution a further N$4.5 million and N$1.34 respectively. Over 2006/07 Telecom spent N$12.7 million on skills and competencies development of its employees. Ndoroma said the skills development is a strategic and business imperative. ""[All] staff play a central role in the delivery of telecommunication services and they are the most critical factors in ensuring our success,"" said Ndoroma. " 2008-02-26Staff Report 2
