De Beers Namibia Holdings has joined hands in partnership with the University of Namibia (UNAM) - southern campus (Keetmanshoop), to provide financial assistance for higher education to underprivileged children from the communities.

Philippe Mellier, Chief Executive, De Beers Group, said: “De Beers has a proud history of supporting education programmes wherever we operate. For example, our Joint Venture Companies, Namdeb and Debmarine Namibia, continue to support Namibian students with bursary programmes, mostly in the field of science and engineering. We are therefore delighted to partner with UNAM in this exciting new venture.”

De Beers will make available an amount of N$10 million over five years to support the programme, with UNAM providing the administrative support. The programme aims to complement government’s efforts to support Namibian children from marginalised communities in fulfilling their academic potential. At least 50 percent of the beneficiaries over the five year term will be female.

Eighty seven students have been selected for support in 2016, of which 70 per cent are female. The financial support will be used to help underprivileged students with costs related to tuition fees, books or accommodation. Philippe Mellier added, “We are proud that we can make this contribution in supporting government’s efforts to make higher education accessible to children from marginalised communities.”