Dr Swart-Opperman leaves on sabbatical
Dr Christina Swart-Opperman, expert industrial psychologist, business leader and chairperson of the CSO AIDS Orphan Foundation Trust, was awarded the Most Distinguished Order of Namibia : Fourth Class (Business Person), which she received from President Pohamba at the National Honours Ceremony in August. This order of merit is conferred on citizens in acknowledgement of their outstanding contributions to the national liberation struggle and to socio-economic and cultural development. (Photograph by Mandisa Rasmeni)
Since the beginning of this year, she has been engaged in further studies after she was accepted for a doctoral dissertation at the business school of the University of Cape Town, popularly know as Ikeys.
Her studies have progressed to the point where they require her full-time attention making it difficult to look after the affairs of the Aids orphan foundation.
Dr Swart-Opperman said she has been running the Trust for almost 12 years and by furthering her education she will be able to help more vulnerable people. “I want to be transparent and let my business partners know that I will be pursuing my studies, and I would also like to thank them for everything that they have done for the Trust, and children will always be close to my heart,” she added.
“It is important that a person grows and learns, so that they can give back to the community, and by giving back you receive more blessings,” she emphasizsed.
Earlier this year, she received the Most Distinguished Order of Namibia from His Excellency President Pohamba at the National Honours ceremony.
This order of merit honours citizens for their outstanding contributions to the Namibia. “I am very humbled and blessed to receive this award and I will come back and do more for my country and my community;” she explained
The CSO Aids Orphan Foundation Trust’s role is to uplift and to improve the quality of the life of AIDS orphans by participating specifically in programmes dealing in education, care and sustenance schemes as well as prevention and psychosocial support. The values of the foundation are respecting human dignity and the rights of children, applying funds with integrity and having compassion for people affected by poverty.
