The Central North Regional Electricity Distributor (CENORED), the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), and former learners of Caprivi Secondary School handed over donations to the school's hostel valued at more than N$200,000.
This donation follows an appeal from the school principal for assistance when schools reopened three weeks ago.
During the handover of the company's contribution of 150 mattresses valued at N$127,000, CENORED's Chief Executive Officer, Fessor Mbango, stated that the donation reaffirms their commitment to the future of the Namibian child and the value of education.
Mbango emphasized that the delivery of the mattresses should serve as a reminder of the importance of a good night's sleep for every learner to rest, recharge, and dream big.
"A comfortable mattress is not just a piece of bedding; it is a foundation for learning and growth. It ensures that our young minds are well-rested and ready to tackle the learning challenges of the next day. In our world today, we often hear about the barriers that prevent young people from achieving their dreams. But here, in this moment, we are breaking down one of those barriers. Together, we are creating an environment that supports education, health, and the well-being of young Namibians."
Former learner Kabende Kabende, who collaborated with other former students on this initiative, encouraged current learners to prioritize their education, stating that these donations signify the community's belief in their potential.
While handing over a cheque for N$100,000, the Development Bank of Namibia's Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer, Jerome Mutumba, noted that addressing socio-economic issues for citizens is central to the bank's mission.
"One of the primary reasons we decided to invest in this community is because we responded to a call when we saw a rise in media reports highlighting the dilapidated conditions of school facilities, particularly the lack of mattresses, forcing many young people to sleep on the floor. We felt it was imperative, as responsible corporate citizens, to invest in the future of this country."
The Caprivi Secondary School hostel has a capacity of 537 learners.