In a collaborative effort to tackle Namibia's education crisis and empower the country's future leaders, M&G Investments and the Bank of Namibia (BoN) hosted an inspiring event featuring Jeff van Rooyen, a renowned financial expert and philanthropist. 

The event aimed to shed light on the challenges within Namibia's education system and propose viable solutions.

Van Rooyen, who shared his journey from growing up in poverty in apartheid South Africa to becoming a distinguished figure in the financial sector, emphasised the transformative power of education and perseverance. 

He highlighted the role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to overcome adversity.

Ben Bertoline, Managing Director of M&G Investments, underscored the importance of quality education as a pathway to prosperity. 

He underscored the key ingredients for success, including luck, intelligence, hard work, and perseverance, and emphasised the need for collective action to prioritise and enhance the quality of education in Namibia.

The event also featured discussions on the critical issues affecting Namibia's education system, including the lack of leadership, policy errors, lack of funding, and discipline. 

Attendees, including schoolchildren, university students, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in the education and financial sectors, engaged in a transformative dialogue aimed at addressing these challenges and proposing sustainable solutions.

Speakers say the country needs to reflect a shared commitment to addressing the education crisis and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically and in life.

The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritise education and invest in the future of Namibia's youth. It served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a more prosperous and equitable society.