Erongo offers financial aid for struggling students

The Erongo Regional Council has opened applications for financial assistance of between N$1 000 and N$5 000 to disadvantaged students pursuing tertiary education in the region.

Funding will range from N$1 000 to N$5 000 per student, targeting applicants who have been admitted to accredited institutions.

Applications closed on 25 February and were required to be submitted to constituency offices.

Council spokesperson Irene Jacobs said the allocation is determined through constituency-level assessments, taking into account financial need, academic merit and the number of qualifying applicants relative to available budget resources. She added that the initiative falls under the council’s mandate and aims to advance human development while addressing socio-economic challenges.

Acknowledging that many households operate within the informal economy, the council said it allowed alternative verification methods, such as police declarations or confirmation from community leaders. The aim was to remain fair while ensuring students are not excluded from the opportunity due to a lack of formal documents.

Brighter future

Marine scientist and academic Victoria Erasmus said financial obstacles remain the biggest barrier between students and tertiary education.

"When students' financial challenges are addressed, it eases their minds, allowing them to focus only on their education."

Erasmus called on more organisations to assist students, “because education remains the key to a brighter future.”

She acknowledged that the funding might not cover all student expenses but added that any financial assistance would help ease the strain on families.

Helpful boost

Students in the Erongo region have welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and encouraging.

Fisabo Mapalo, former mayor of the Junior Town Council of Erongo and a student at Bright Learning Center, said the funding "will give a lot of students the access to quality education who have potential but lack the financial means to continue their studies."

While grateful, Ashlyn Chantaé, a first-year student at the International University of Management, expressed concern that the amount may not fully cover all expenses, particularly accommodation and transport, which can be a significant challenge on the coast.