Standard Bank invests in academic excellence

WINDHOEK, Feb. 8 – As a proponent of education, Standard Bank renewed its steadfast commitment to rewarding academic once again by awarding some of the country’s top performing learner’s with cash prizes of over N$300 000.

The Corporate Social Investment initiative is part of a longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Education in investing in the Academic Excellence programme.

The top three best performing Grade 10 and 12 learners in each region with a cash prize. The top performer in each region for both Grade 10 and 12 received N$4000, while the first runner up received N$3000 and the second runner up N$2000.

“This celebration is really notable in the sense that the learners present here today have performed exceptionally well, despite the fact that most of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds. This shows that one should never allow your circumstances or background to limit you from reaching for the stars. So let’s celebrate our young stars and future leaders,” Standard Bank’s Chairperson of the CSI Board Dr Ndapewa Hamunime, said during the prize giving ceremony on Friday, 02 February.

She explained that Standard Bank realized earlier on that there is a need to acknowledge those learners who have distinguished themselves by passing with flying colours through an initiative called ‘Investing in Academic Excellence’. This initiative was launched way back in 2010 and has been a success ever since.

The Best Improved Government School, St. Charles Lwanga Senior Secondary, also be receiving N$50 000 towards a project of their choice, courtesy of Standard Bank. A total of 83 learners received the prize monies.

“I have no doubt that the award ceremony will encourage our learners across Namibia to aim for excellence at all times. I also believe that all our prize winners will be ambassadors of their respective regions and will continue to do us proud, by one day becoming great leaders in the respective fields. We are really proud of you and confident that your role in the future will contribute to the enhancement of our economy and in turn our people,” she concluded.

The Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, said she was appreciative of the sponsors for their commitment every year and that her Ministry valued their friendship and partnership.

“Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention. The Ministry and its sponsors have realised how important the event is as it serves to reward and acknowledge those who have worked hard throughout the year,” she pointed out.

She also said she wanted to recognise the efforts of the teachers and all their hard work to ensure that learners excel. Additionally, she expressed her hopes that the award ceremony serves as a motivational tool for all to promote quality teaching and learning.

“The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, its key stakeholders and Namibia as a whole must be proud to give credit where it’s due. It boosts the morale of the child and encourage them to excel, be it in formal education or tertiary education, hence the event,” she explained.

Hanse-Himarwa stressed that education is a key and major driver of socio-economic development. She trusts that the country will produce competent and skill based workforce.

“I want to call on all stakeholders to stand firm and work together continuously to render the necessary support. Education empowers individuals not to fall back into the life of poverty. We need to fulfil a collective responsibility to mould our learners and root out failure,” she concluded. – NDN Staffer