Old Mutual invests N$1.5m in schools

The Old Mutual Foundation has increased its investment in its Chair and Desk Initiative to N$1.5 million in 2026, with the programme set to benefit more than 2 000 learners at 12 schools across four regions.

The latest investment is the largest since the initiative was launched in 2023, with funding increasing from N$1 million in previous years.

The programme aims to improve learning conditions by providing new classroom furniture and repairing existing desks and chairs at schools in Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwena and Otjozondjupa regions.

In Oshikoto, Ondera Combined School and Onamishu Combined School will receive new furniture, while Nehale Secondary School will have existing furniture repaired.

In Omusati, Holden Uulenga Combined School and Jerry Ekandjo Combined School have been selected for new furniture, while Uahekua Herunga Primary School will receive repairs.

In Ohangwena, new furniture will be supplied to Ondobe Secondary School and Nanghonda Combined School, while Elakalapwa Combined School will receive furniture repairs.

In Otjozondjupa, Okondjatu Combined School and Tsumkwe Secondary School will receive new furniture, while Osire Primary School will have existing furniture repaired.

The initiative combines school infrastructure support with vocational skills development. Through partnerships with vocational training institutions, new desks and chairs are manufactured while existing furniture is repaired and refurbished.

Old Mutual will again work with two vocational training centres as part of the 2026 programme, providing practical learning opportunities for vocational students while supporting the delivery of furniture to schools.

Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual Namibia, said the initiative was intended to address both learning conditions and skills development.

"Every learner deserves a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn and grow," du Preez said.

"Through the Chair and Desk Initiative, we are investing in better learning conditions while creating practical skills development opportunities for vocational learners."

She said the increased investment would allow the programme to reach more schools and learners.

"By increasing our investment to N$1.5 million, we can extend the programme's reach and support more than 2 000 learners across Namibia," she said.

The foundation said the programme had entered its fourth year and remained focused on education interventions intended to strengthen schools, support communities and create opportunities for future generations.

Furniture manufacturing, refurbishment and deliveries under the 2026 programme are expected to be completed by the end of February 2027.