5 SEPTEMBER 2017
10 NAMIB TIMES
MEDIA RELEASE:
Standard Bank paying it forward with Bursary Scheme Over the years, Standard Bank has taken pride in rewarding academic excellence, as well as aiding deserving students create a better future for themselves through its Corporate Social Investment Bursary Scheme. This year alone, the Bank is invested an impressive N$1-million in the Bursary Scheme that has gone to service the academic needs of 7 worthy students, with the notion that university education should not just be a privilege limited to those who can afford, but also who come from disadvantaged back-
grounds with potential to excel academically. This year's recipients are Petrus Nathinge, Ndahafa Alex, Elrich Tsauseb, Bianca Mungunda, Anza Lombard, Andreas Shiimi and Felicia Mwenyo. The Bank recently hosted a luncheon to check in with the students, who were all too happy to report on their progress.
Standard Bank bursary student Petrus Nathinge
One such student is Bianca Mungunda, a 2nd year Actuarial Science student at the University of Cape Town. As an exemplary student throughout her formal schooling years, Mungunda completed her High School with an astounding 52 points; however she admitted that finances always proved to be a hindrance. “Although I received a bursary from Windhoek Gymnasium, it only covered a portion of my fees, leaving the rest to my parents. I have a number of siblings whose education my parents also have to pay for. Apart from this, there are the usual expenses any family needs to deal with that made meeting my school fees due date difficult to meet. I remember there were many times I did not receive my report for a particular academic year because my school fees were not paid in full yet,” Mungunda said explaining the financial difficulties that befell her and her family while she was still in High School Faced with the knowledge that the course she wanted was not offered in Namibia, and the financial burden that her parents would have to face, she decided to apply for a bursary from the bank. I knew that my parents would not be able to afford my education... The Standard Bank bursary has
changed my life in so many ways. Firstly, it has taken what would have been a huge burden off the shoulders of my parents! Tertiary education is expensive. It is a privilege to be able to not have to worry about how you will pay for your education, not only that, but the support and opportunities we receive through the vacation work and mentors in the bank is a blessing,” she beamed. She added that the fact that she is guaranteed a job once she graduates is also another blessing because a lot of young people with qualifications are unable to get jobs in these harsh economic climates. “I would like to thank Standard Bank for entrusting me to be an ambassador of such a prestigious bank. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my dreams and supporting me not only financially, but in all other aspects. I will not disappoint and will keep moving forward in all I do,” she stressed. Fellow bursary holder Petrus Nathinge was equally elated with his study aid, because he too had to study Actuarial Science, which would have been a financial burden on his parents as they financially support a number of their relatives. “I come from a very loving household and have 5 siblings. My parents are extremely hardworking and that trait has been passed
onto their offspring. They both come from poor households and have successfully made it out of poverty. Unfortunately, some of my parent's family members still live in poverty in Angola. My parents as a result have to care for them financially,” he explained. Nevertheless, his parents encouraged him to chase after his dreams, vowing that they would do all they can to ensure that he completed his studies. While he said that it was endearing to know that his parents would support him, he did not want them burdened by the finances of his studies. “I scoured the internet in search of bursaries. I applied for just about everything and anything, hoping for a positive response. To my surprise and relief, Standard Bank contacted me and informed me that I was one of the lucky recipients of a Standard Bank Bursary,” he recounted. While he thought the bursary would only come with financial support, he said he was pleasantly surprised to find that they have a holistic approach where they support in all aspects. “Standard Bank has impacted my life immensely ever since. Not only can my parents and I rest with a peaceful mind, knowing that I am taken care of financially, but the Bank has also exposed me to different areas
Standard Bank bursary student Bianca Mungunda of the workings of a Bank through the vacation work we are offered to do. The various support plat-forms from the Bank offers assist me in times of need. The extremely kind, patient and caring staff in charge of the Bursary are easily reachable and check up on us to make sure that all is in order,” a delighted Nathinge said. Knowing he has a job lined up when he graduates is among his most appreciated benefits of being a recipient of the Bank's bursary scheme. “I would like to inspire students, in a similar position to mine, to never
give up on their dreams. I would like to encourage them and assure them that their hard work will pay off. Someone will see their potential, just as Standard Bank has seen mine. I am extremely blessed and fortunate to have been awarded this Bursary by Standard Bank. I am thankful and honoured that the Bank continues to see and believe in me, my potential and my abilities. I will continue to work tirelessly to make the Bank proud. I will ensure that the Bank reaps the benefits of their investment in me, as they so rightfully deserve,” he concluded.