CSI keeps young girls at school
Celebrating the very substantial sponshorship are, from the left, new Standard Bank CEO, Junius Mungunda, Board Chairman Herbert Maier, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon Petrina Haingura, CSI Board Chairperson, Dr Ndapewa Hamunime, FAWENA Financial Officer, Theo Shitaleni and Under Secretary of Lifelong Learning Claudia Tjikuua.
The funds are specifically designated for FAWENA’s scholarship programme for 2014 and it will allow the organisation to expand its reach and impact among young girls eager to complete their high school education.
Under the scholarship programme, learners who have excelled in grade 7, are now assisted to continue their schooling to make it to Grade 12. This week FAWENA’s management said “In the past this was a challenge as most of these children are orphans and vulnerable learners who used to drop out of school after primary school.”
A total of 900 orphans and vulnerable learners are supported this year.
These children receive school uniforms, school supplies, transport and toiletries. “We experience a positive change in the learners’ attitude in the classroom as they are more confident to participate in lessons,” said FAWENA Financial Officer Theo Shitaleni adding that most vulnerable girls stay away from school during their menstruation period. “However, with the support of sanitary pads from FAWENA girls are kept in school” she said.
Standard Bank made a financial commitment to sponsor FAWENA with the total amount of almost N$5,8 million for the 9-year period up to 2022 (nine-year contract).
Mungunda said “As a good corporate citizen, Standard Bank Namibia pledges 1% of net profit generated by its business operations to Corporate Social Investment. The strategic focus of the bank’s CSI programme falls on four key areas, education, entrepreneurship development, poverty alleviation and health and wellness.
