Capricorn Foundation commits N$1.6 million to enhance access to quality dducation

 

The Capricorn Foundation remains dedicated to enhancing access to quality education for the Namibian child, as part of its primary focus area, Education, and one of its priority UN SDGs, Quality Education (SDG 4).

The Capricorn Foundation kick-started the year with a commitment of N$1.6 million to three education initiatives, namely Amos Meerkat Syllabus, EduVision, and Karstveld Academy. This funding supports learning materials and infrastructure for early childhood development centres, as well as providing access to online classes and quality secondary education.

“The Capricorn Foundation’s commitment to education is deliberate, strategic, and in line with Namibia’s national aim of nurturing socio-economic progress. As part of our Education Focus Area and as Connectors of Positive Change, we recognise our duty to bridge the access to education gap between rural and urban areas and to support the most vulnerable communities”, said Veripura Muukua, Head of the Capricorn Foundation.

About the education projects:

Amos Meerkat Syllabus: The Capricorn Foundation has committed N$600,000 to the Amos Meerkat Syllabus for stationery and the printing of workbooks, reaching 6000 children, 300 teachers, and monitors. The Amos Meerkat Syllabus (AMS) aims to prepare existing non-governmental pre-schools on farms and in rural and informal communities in Namibia that lack a curriculum or have one that does not meet standards for school readiness by providing an updated Early Childhood Development curriculum aligned with the Ministry of Education’s standards, ensuring learners are prepared for primary schooling.

EduVision Online Learning: The Capricorn Foundation has adopted two schools supported by EduVision Online Learning, namely, S.I. Oaseb Secondary School in Gibeon and Pioneer Secondary School in Schlip, both in the Hardap Region. The Project’s goal is to assist in teaching Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Biology (as well as other subjects and grades as needed) to remote, marginalised schools through e-learning and modern technology (ITC). Lessons are recorded by well-qualified, competent, and experienced teachers. The “Extended classroom” focuses on assisting the teacher and cannot replace the role and responsibility of the subject teacher and school management. The Capricorn Foundation has committed N$609,744 towards the project.

Karstveld Academy: The Academy was established in Grootfontein in January 2021 and is committed to elevating Namibia’s educational standards through academic and cultural excellence. The Capricorn Foundation committed N$423,330 to Karstveld Academy to fund bursaries for six Grade 12 learners, covering school and hostel fees for the 2026 academic year. The Capricorn Foundation has been supporting the beneficiaries since 2024.

Mr Frikkie Louw, Director of EduVision, emphasised the transformative impact that educational support can have on learners. He stated, “If we can put light into the eyes of one learner, we know that they know in which direction to go. If we can put a smile on the face of one learner, we know they are coping with their current circumstances, and for that, we remain grateful to the Capricorn Foundation’s continued support of the Namibian Child.”

Mr Jean-Pierre Botha, Principal of Karstveld Academy, thanked the Capricorn Foundation for its support over the past three years. He said, “A country’s future is determined by the investment in its youth. This investment is not only for the learners today, but their future and their careers.”

Senja Shikomba Kaafuli, Principal at Omusati Pre Primary and Day Care Centre in Otjomuise 7 De Laan, Windhoek, a beneficiary of the Amos Meerkat Syllabus, said, “Omusati Pre Primary School was established in 2005. For a good 10 years, we did not have a suitable curriculum until we were introduced to the Amos Meerkat Syllabus in 2015. Between 2015 and 2019, five teachers were trained in the Amos Meerkat curriculum. We are grateful to the Amos Meerkat for making our teaching experience a smooth process and a success for the Namibian child.”

The Capricorn Foundation is a Section 21 Company and a registered Namibian welfare organisation, funded by Bank Windhoek, Capricorn Asset Management, and Entrepo.

For more information on the Capricorn Foundation’s initiatives and partnerships, visit www.capricorn.com.na