Ohorongo nurses students by awarding nursing bursary

Clement Samati - Helena Hofeni - Henry Dollar - Mr Hans-Wilhelm Schütte & Hon. Kavetuna

Three disadvantaged nursing students received bursaries from Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust (OOCT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Social Services, to further pursue their studies.

The hand-over took place in Windhoek on 18 April, where three students, one from Welwitchia University and two from UNAM, received bursaries to the total value of N$ 60 540.00.

Ohorongo Cement approached the Ministry of Health & Social Services for guidance regarding the allocation of bursaries within the Healthcare fraternity.

The decision to award the bursaries to the selected three nursing students, was proposed by Hon. Kavetuna, who made the selection based on merit, in a clear and transparent manner.

“Instead of just supporting one student within healthcare, it made more sense to assist more than one student, especially in the light that they are disadvantaged,” said Hon. Kavetuna.

Ohorongo Cement is not new in its support towards Namibia and its communities. To date, the company has invested more than N$ 10 million towards various projects throughout Namibia.

Not only does the company invest in internships and job attachments, but recently it also awarded bursaries to two female Electrical Engineering Students.

Last year also saw the inauguration of a Simulation Training Centre at the cement plant, focused on Control Room Operators.

“We want to create windows towards a better future…for Namibia and its people, and the key to that is through Education,” said Hans-Wilhelm Schütte, MD Ohorongo Cement.

“It does not help that we have hospitals and clinics, but we lack an educated and skilled workforce. Hence our commitment towards the provision of bursaries to support healthcare even further, not only by supplying medical equipment, but to also address the skills within the healthcare system,” said Schütte.

“Nursing is as important as any other component of the healthcare system, which is aimed at improving the capacity, quality, efficiency and safety of healthcare,” said Hon. Kavetuna.

“I believe in the issue of helping to empower nurses so that they feel comfortable providing input when physicians are making patient care decisions.”

The following students were recipients of the bursaries:

• Ms. Helena Kakunawe Hofeni
• Mr. Henry L. Dollar
• Mr. Clement K. Samati

If the current economic and commercial situation remains, it is the intention of OOCT to give its support towards capacity building through such bursaries on an annual basis.