Staff Reporter
NAMIB Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) has announced the successful selection of 14 candidates for the 2024 academic intake of the NAMDIA Foundation Bursary Scheme, valued at a total of N$ 2.8 million.
According to Beverley Coussement, NAMDIA’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, the application intake period ran from October 5 to December 8, 2023. During this period, she revealed, the NAMDIA Foundation received a total of 343 applications from all 14 regions across the country and selected 14 beneficiaries from 12 different regions.
These selected candidates are Kapunda Patrick (Erongo Region), Izaaks Morientes (Hardap Region), Naweses Hoamdi (//Kharas Region), Kalihonda Steven (Kavango East), Karokoto Mariane (Kavango West), Nunuheb Rogeleo (Khomas Region), Tjindunda Katengerue (Kunene Region), Shaningwa Tommy (Ohangwena Region), Mandy Hijamutiti (Omaheke Region), Nondo Acti (Omusati Region), Zombo Yolela (Oshana Region), Johannes Immanuel (Oshikoto Region), Shangheta Justina (Otjozondjupa Region), and Mutonga Liswaniso (Zambezi Region).
“I am proud to announce that we have achieved an impressive 86% success rate, with 12 out of our 14 students showcasing outstanding academic performance,” the Chairman of the NAMDIA Board of Directors, Bryan Eiseb, said.
NAMDIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairperson of the NAMDIA Foundation, Alisa Amupolo, said that the selection committee placed significant emphasis on key criteria to ensure fair and impartial assessment. These key criteria, she revealed, include academic performance, economic background, preferred field of study, and proof of parental or guardian income.
“Academic performance carried the greatest weight, constituting 50% of the total score. Furthermore, attention was given to the economic background of applicants with 20% weight assigned to individuals from previously disadvantaged or marginalized communities. The preferred field of study, as outlined in our policy accounted for 15% of the score, while proof of parental or guardian income supported by certified affidavits held a 10% weight. Additionally, preference was given to students pursuing studies in the Diamond Industry value chain, reflecting our commitment to fostering growth and development in our sector,” Amupolo explained.
