Five fully-paid scholarships will be granted annually to students of the Omaheke region in Namibia. Students will be selected to study at top Russian universities in geology and the mining of uranium deposits.
During their studies, the students will be acquainted with different mining methods and technology. For example, uranium mining in could very easily be mined through the in-situ recovery (ISR) method, which is an advanced closed-loop uranium mining technology. ISR is more environmentally friendly than traditional open-pit and underground mining methods. once the students have completed their training, they can use the knowledge gained to work in the mine in their own country.
Namibia is one of the top countries in the world that has large reserves of uranium and has the potential to become a world leader in this respect. Uranium mining plays an important role in the country’s economy. For example, in 2020, Namibia had the third-largest uranium production after Kazakhstan and Australia. However, the Omaheke region, where uranium mining exploration is taking place, still ranks among the bottom three poorest regions in the country. Historically, Omaheke’s economic activities revolved mainly around cattle farming, which is not enough to raise the region from poverty. Granting education opportunities to its youth will increase the level of employment and will make a significant contribution to Namibia’s economic security, helping further the sustainable development of the region. “We hope that soon we will talk about poverty as something of the past. If the planned mining of uranium in the Region becomes a reality, then Namibia will be the first mine to use ISR to mine uranium. This will put our Namibian youth at the forefront of technology and not only will they be able to be employed by the mine, but they will be sought after throughout the world”, said Pijoo Nganate, Governor of the Omaheke region.
About education in Russia:
Nowadays more than 1,500 foreign students from 57 countries around the world study in Russia for nuclear-related majors, with over 200 students from sub-Saharan Africa, including such countries as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa and Zambia. The universities offer excellent educational and career growth opportunities for the countries to be proud of their young citizens.
As a part of the program “International Cooperation in Nuclear Education” a cycle of lectures to popularize Russian nuclear educational programmes in African countries is also held annually with more than 300 high school students taking part in the event. The lectures arouse great interest among the youth of Namibia. Similar events are organized regularly on both face-to-face and online platforms.
