Maria David
STARTING university can be a time of fun, new experiences and growth, yet it can also be a rough transition for many students that might find it difficult to control anxiety.
This was no different for 23-year-old Abniel Matheus, who had to battle with depression in 2020, resulting in academic failure at the time while a second-year student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Matheus, who is currently pressuring for a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at NUST, revealed that his depression started in 2019 while in his first year, and got worse in his second year causing him to lose focus on his school work and his academic performance dropped resulting in failing many of his modules.
The failure of the modules not only caused Matheus and his student funds to be given to the government, but he also dropped out of school as a result of depression.
“I don’t really know what caused my depression, but all I could remember was that I was just stressed every day,” he said.
In 2021, Matheus changed not only his lifestyle, but also found strength in Christ, which motivated him to get to his books and excel in his studies.
Despite his motivation and good results, Matheus now has to raise N$25 420 to be able to continue with his third year, as his loan was put on hold until the outstanding amount is settled.
“My parents are both pensioners and unable to assist me in the matter. I am only able to get my loan re-installed once my outstanding balance for the modules is paid,” he said.
In a media statement issued by the Namibia Students Assistance Fund (NSFAF), students who wish to reactivate their loans are urged to do the reactivation of their loan within the first semester.
The loan activation simply entitles students who repeated an academic year at their own cost and now want NSFAF to continue with funding after they passed or students who were inactive for less than two years.
Matheus is now calling on good Samaritans who are willing to assist him to contact him at 081 882 7068.
