OPUWO: The Frank Fredericks Foundation (FFF) reinforced its commitment to school development in Namibia this week by donating school uniforms to nine schools as part of its ‘back-to-school initiative’ valued at N.dollars 100 000.

Among the schools that benefited from the project is Opuwo Junior Primary School (OJPS) in the Kunene district, where 10 pupils received uniforms valued at N.dollars 10 000.

The donation event at OJPS took place on Tuesday, and other schools are expected to receive their donations over the course of the week.

Suama Shingenge, Frank Fredericks Foundation Public Relations Officer, remarked in a statement read on her behalf at the donation ceremony that the foundation has been a beacon of hope and support for young Namibian athletes because of its founder, Frank Fredericks’ vision.

According to Shingenge, returning to their roots demonstrates their real commitment to the people they serve. Shingenge added that the giving of uniforms is more than just providing clothing, as it is als
o a statement of optimism, encouragement and the awareness that someone believes in their abilities.

‘Today, as we donate school uniforms to these young minds, we are not merely providing them with clothing; we are offering them as a gesture that goes beyond material assistance. It is a reminder that, with a helping hand, dreams can be realised and goals can be achieved,’ she said.

Shingenge emphasised the importance of education in unlocking one’s full potential. According to her, initiatives like these strive to make ambitions feasible for all young Namibians, similar to how Frank Fredericks was able to achieve his own.

The school’s principal, Albert Tjiuma, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that they consider themselves privileged because the donation has provided joy to all those who have benefited.

Shinime Shiimvula Primary School (Ondangwa), PJ TsaiTsaib Combined School (Mariental), Krolein Primary School (Keetmanshoop), Fidel Castro Ruz, Elim, Saint Andrews and Hillside Primary Schools,
all in Windhoek, also benefited from the donation.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei wants the disbursement of bursaries to be centralised in order to enhance equity and transparency

Cherargei noted that so many children from vulnerable families have not yet reported to various school due to lack of funds, yet we have county bursaries, National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and bursary from the ministry of education.

Speaking at University of Eastern Africa, Baraton during a consultative meeting with stakeholders on the status of devolution in Nandi County, the senator said he plans to table a Bill seeking to harmonise bursaries to ensure free and fair process during the distribution of the money.

‘We should agree that reforms regarding bursary distribution is now a priority so that we can achieve 100 percent transition. Our children have become beneficiary of charity. It has reached a point we must fundraise for them in order to report to school. That’s not acceptable,’ he said.

Cherargei stated that most parents spend time looking for
these bursaries in various offices without success, thus need to co-mingle all those bursaries to ensure deserving students get help.

The senator also supported the move by the education ministry to have parents of students in national schools pay fees through the e-Citizen platform

He argued that the one-stop transactions will help eliminate all indirect charges that have been illegally introduced by certain institutions, fight corruption, promote transparency and accountability

‘The best way to fight corruption is to ensure all payments for government services are made through the e-Citizen portal for accountability and to track the revenue of the country,’ he said

According to the Government, the Directorate of e-Citizen has set up a payment collection process that is convenient and transparent to ensure that principals will be able to access funds received for their schools promptly and in full.

To ensure a smooth roll out, the new payment system will be implemented in phases beginning with National
schools and subsequent extending to Extra County and County schools.

Source: Kenya News Agency