Chair & Desk Initiative for schools launched

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Gerine Hoff
The Old Mutual Foundation (OMF) recently introduced the Chair & Desk (C&D) Initiative, a project dedicated to addressing the pressing need for functional chairs and desks in public schools across all 14 regions of Namibia.
Having been a significant supporter in the education sector since 2012, OMF is building upon its past work with this new initiative. The primary goal of the C&D Initiative is to supply new chairs and desks to schools facing genuine requirements, as well as repairing any damaged furniture that can be salvaged. To ensure the success of this endeavor, OMF is calling upon local entrepreneurs, businesses, vocational training facilities, and correctional services to collaborate by completing an online form to be considered as partners in the provision and repair of furniture.
Additionally, OMF encourages all government schools across the country to participate by filling out an online form, motivating why their school deserves support, and providing relevant information, such as the number of repairable chairs and desks they possess.
The official launch took place at the Dr Abraham Iyambo Primary School in Havana, Windhoek, where acting school principal Alexia Ileka expressed the dire need for chairs and desks in most schools nationwide. She thanked the Old Mutual Foundation for this initiative, which not only replaces damaged furniture but also enhances learners' performance by providing new, functional furniture. Having partners in education, she emphasised, is greatly appreciated.
During the launch event, Mignon du Preez from Old Mutual urged both corporations and individuals to join forces with OMF to maximize the impact of the chair and desk drive. Those interested in offering or pledging support can reach out to the Old Mutual Foundation team at [email protected].
For detailed information about the initiative and to complete the online application, interested parties should visit the Old Mutual website at www.oldmutual.com.na/foundation. Applications are open from today and will close on 25 August. The selected schools will be announced on Friday, 15 September 2023.