Windhoek
Shell Namibia has donated N$150 000 to the Child Development Foundation (CDF) in Katutura on behalf of its PEL39 partners.
Shell Country Chairman Dennis Zekveld expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and described it as one that Shell Namibia is proud to support.
“Shell takes its social investment responsibilities seriously, and actively seeks ways in which it can make a positive difference in Namibia. We have been impressed with the value of the work of the Child Development Foundation at the Otjomuise Centre, and especially how they prepare disadvantaged children for a successful school career. We are proud to support youth education,” he said.
Shell Namibia Upstream B.V. partners with Namcor, and the Namcor Exploration Manager, Manfriedt Muundjua, also stated he is impressed with this initiative.
Chairman of the centre’s Board of Trustees, Servaas van den Bosch, hailed the partnership as a good example of the way in which private companies can make a difference in the lives of marginalised Namibians.
The sponsorship agreement covers a three-year period. The funds will be used to prepare children from extremely impoverished backgrounds for school by equipping them with strong pre-school skills, and are also for fees and stationery and to provide nutritional breakfasts and lunches on school days.
Maggy Shino who represented the minister of mines and energy said poverty eradication remains the central and overarching objective of the development agenda, towards transforming the lives of people living in absolute poverty.
At the centre the likelihood of a successful school career is considerably enhanced for these underprivileged children. The programme, which has been running for nine years, places emphasis on the teaching of English and some 40 children participate in the programme daily.
Once they’ve completed the two-year programme and leave to enter the school system, they are monitored and supported as they progress through school.