Students – get all your info here!
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has launched a new platform aimed at addressing the lack of access to information on bursaries, scholarships and other funding options available to Namibian students.This initiative is part of NIPDB’s broader mandate to equip Namibians with the skills necessary to meet the demands of investors and support national economic growth.
The platform, which provides a centralised hub for students to find real-time information on local and eventually international educational funding opportunities, is the result of collaboration between the NIPDB and various stakeholders, including private sector partners, state-owned enterprises, and development organisations.
Speaking at the launch, NIPDB Acting Chief Operations Officer Johan Steenkamp highlighted the pressing need for a solution to the growing number of unsuccessful applications for study funding. “In 2023, over 30 000 applications were submitted, but many were unsuccessful. Over 25 000 applicants were turned down between 2021 and 2023,” Steenkamp said. “This platform aims to bridge that gap by giving young people easy access to information about available funding options.”
Inclusivity
While the platform will be digitally accessible, the NIPDB recognises that not all young people have access to the internet. To ensure inclusivity, NIPDB will partner with regional education offices, NAMCOL centres, and vocational training institutions to share information offline.
At the event, Debmarine’s Human Resource and Development Manager, Leandri Petrus, emphasised the significance of equal access to education.
“Education is a powerful equaliser that levels the playing field for people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. By making educational opportunities accessible, we foster hope and create pathways for social mobility.”
Julia Muetudhana, NIPDB’s Executive Director for Talent, Innovation and Productivity, urged public and private sector entities to contribute to the platform by sharing their available study and internship opportunities. “This platform belongs to all of us. We encourage companies and institutions to join us in this effort by providing details on their opportunities, ensuring that more students can benefit.”
The platform can be accessed at https://studyopportunities.nipdb.com, and updates will be shared via the NIPDB website and social media channels.