From Kamanjab to Windhoek: Jenory Ganuses’ Journey

Eighteen-year-old Jenory Ganuses, from the small town of Kamanjab in the Kunene Region, is one of the bright young minds being shaped through Ultimate Safaris’ education support initiative.She is a proud recipient of the Signal Family bursary scheme, a programme offered by Ultimate Safaris’ non-profit arm, the Conservation Travel Foundation, in collaboration with the Singer family from New Zealand, who travelled with the safari company six years ago and were moved to make a long-term difference.Ganuses’ potential first caught attention while she was in Grade 5 at Grootberg Primary School in the Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy. Recognising her drive and promise, she was awarded the bursary to pursue her secondary education at a private school, an opportunity that would dramatically shift her path.In 2021, Ganuses was accepted as a boarder at Windhoek Gymnasium. There, she was given full access to academic support, aftercare, and extra-curricular activities. Adjusting from a Khoekhoegowab-speaking rural school to an English-speaking urban institution wasn’t easy, but Ganuses persevered.“It was hard to settle in,” she recalls. “I had to make new friends and adapt to a different language of instruction. Being far away from my family was emotionally challenging, as I was always surrounded by them back home.”At first, the academic pressure affected her performance, but Ganuses remained determined. “The new system challenged me to work harder. I started using my free periods wisely and made sure I balanced my studies with rest and my netball commitments.”Ganuses' resilience extended beyond academics. Ganuses became active in both athletics and netball, eventually earning a spot on the school’s first netball team. She’s had the opportunity to represent her school across the country and in South Africa, where she attended the Raloka Netball Training Clinic, an experience that strengthened her leadership skills and team spirit.In 2024, Ganuses completed an in-service learning project at Ultimate Safaris’ Galton House guesthouse in Windhoek, which ignited her passion for tourism. She has since chosen tourism as one of her matric subjects and plans to pursue further studies in the field.“Tourism has always been my goal,” Ganuses says. “I’ve learned it requires adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, especially during emergencies.” The Signal Family bursary has covered everything from tuition, boarding, transport, private medical aid, uniforms, and sports costs, to extra tuition support, an investment that has already reached close to N$1 million over five years.With Ganuses now in Grade 11 and showing steady progress both academically and personally, the Conservation Travel Foundation has committed to extending this support for her tertiary education as well.“Receiving the bursary lifted a huge financial burden,” says Ganuses. “It allows me to focus on my goals instead of worrying about how to pay for school. It’s given me hope, opened doors, and changed the course of my life.”To learners walking their tough paths, Ganuses’ advice is heartfelt. “Understand that challenges are part of the journey. Achieving your dreams takes time and effort. Stay committed and don’t rush the process. Trust in God’s timing. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities.”

From Kamanjab to Windhoek: Jenory Ganuses’ Journey

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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From Kamanjab to Windhoek: Jenory Ganuses’ Journey

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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