“I am going for my dreams, no matter what”: Melki

Musa Zimunya

WINDHOEK, 18. APR -Twenty-year old Melkesedek Hamukoto, known as Melki, had always dreamed of becoming a pilot, yet the dream seemed far-fetched when growing up poor in Katutura. But his father, from an early age, instilled a die-hard attitude in his boy, reassuring him that with hard work, success would not be far away.

“My dad, however, taught me responsibility at an early age and instilled a go-getter attitude and these, combined with a number of intervening factors, changed my life,”he said adding, “I am going for my dreams, no matter what.”

When he was in Grade 7, Melki’s aunt introduced him to PAY (Physically Active Youth) where he was assisted and supervised academically, and his love for cycling was born. However, at the time, the dream of becoming a pilot seemed improbable at that stage as Melki did not have the required subjects in High School to pursue this dream.

“In 2017, RMB Namibia through the FNB Foundation, my cycling sponsor and one of the main sponsors of the Physically Active Youth, once again jumped on board and said they will support me and a few other youngsters with a scholarship to improve our subjects and allow me to add Physics to my line of subjects at Combretum Trust School (C.T.S).”

With the help of the PAY programme, the teachers at C.T.S and other external support, Melki successfully passed his exams. He also managed to secure financial support for his aviation course and is now studying at Desert Air to become a Pilot, while assisting with maintenance work for them as well.

Melki expressed his sincere appreciation towards everyone who has helped him on his journey, including his father who showed him the right way in life.

Thys Rall, the Managing Director of Desert Air said they saw massive potential, focus and and unflinching dedication

“We saw the potential in this young man. What impressed us was his focus and dedication toward achieving his goal. His approach was timed perfectly as now, for the first time, we are able to assist a person like Melkesedek. One of our strategic objectives is to give back to the community and the industry which has served us so well over so many years. Today Melkesedek is not only enjoying a sponsorship from Desert Air towards his qualification as a commercial pilot, but he has also been signed on as an employee and is undergoing technical training as well. ”

RMB Namibia has been an ardent supporter of various cycling events and cyclists over the past few years, while the Physically Active Youth (PAY) has been a part of the CSI portfolio of FNB Namibia.
musa@namibiadailynews.info