TOTAL Namibia, a subsidiary of Total South Africa, affirmed its commitment to the contribution of the empowerment, up-skilling and education of Namibia’s youth at a signing ceremony, in partnership with the University of Namibia (UNAM).
The signed memorandum of understanding document signifies an undertaking by Total Namibia to assist selected candidates with student bursaries that will cover full tuition and textbooks for the duration of their studies.
The signing of the agreement is one of many initiatives employed by Total South Africa to address the scarce skills shortage in the southern African region. Recent statistics indicate that there is a significant skills shortage in the fields of medicine, engineering, accounting and other key sectors.
“Total South Africa recognizes that skills development is essential for the Southern African region’s economic growth. We are thus committed to work in partnership with governments, the private sector and institutions of higher learning such as the University of Namibia to assist in alleviating the skills gap and to provide our youth with the chance of a better future through our bursaries and various other education initiatives,” explains Total Namibia Managing Director, Chris Hoffman.
Annually, the Total Group hosts a delegation of students and senior educators at an annual Summer School for a week long programme in July in Paris. Selected students and educators from the university will be afforded an opportunity to attend the Summer School as well as the Energy Seminar, also held as part of the week long programme.
Upon completion of their studies the company offers selected students the opportunity to embark on an internship programme at Total South Africa and its subsidiaries in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland where valuable practical expertise and on the job training are offered.
In terms of educational content, the agreement indicates that Total may be invited to make input into the development of University of Namibia’s courses in order to ensure that the courses are aligned with the needs of the petroleum industry.
“We are excited to cement our relationship with the University of Namibia through fulfilling the commitments of our MOU and thus make a contribution to the lives of the youth and the development of the country,” concludes Hoffman.