Learners from less privileged backgrounds in the Otjozondjupa Region have received stationery to support their studies through the Standard Bank Namibia Scholarship Grant.

In order to meet the needs of the scholars, Standard Bank donated stationery, toiletries and transport fares to 24 learners.

Standard Bank Regional Manager in Central North, Frieda Adjei-Owuel, said, "Our hope is that by empowering these children today, we are handing them the baton of change so that they might uplift their communities and inspire future generations. We influence through action. As the people's bank, we do not lead from the back or the front; we lead by standing with the people."

Each beneficiary will receive items worth two thousand 350 dollars.

Receiving the items, Otjozondjupa Education Directorate Acting Director Kensie Kazarondo says investment in the learners contributes positively towards the future of the country.

"By helping this, we are helping ourselves. Let me make that one categorically clear: Standard Bank, you are doing yourselves a favour as a citizen of this country. Our children will be in good hands; they will be able to drive us to the destination where we want this country to be."

Forum for African Women Educationalists in Namibia will be assisting vulnerable children who could not benefit from the Standard Bank grant through the 'In the meantime, coping strategy for children' programme."

"Because vulnerability is not the excuse to fail in education; as I said, we're going to have a coping programme, kind of a mind-set programme, whereby those who did not benefit can also have a survival method in the process," said the Executive Committee Member of FAWENA, Cornelius Zemburuka.

Zemburuka says the continuation of cooperation between the government, civil society and the private sector is key in ensuring that every Namibian learner is empowered.