Bright student rewarded
Fiina Nambambi (18) received a cheque of N$20 000 from law firm Henry Shimutwikeni & Co Inc at the Unam Foundation in Windhoek on 24 January. Fiina is the only student from Haimbili Haufiku Secondary School who was among the top 10 of the Namibian Senior Certificate ordinary performers.Henry Shimutwikeni, who owns the law firm, said he heard about the student in the media and wanted to do something generous in order to help her pursue her studies. “I'm from the same region as Fiina and I know that her school is not very equipped and resourced like St Boniface.
“I was disappointed to hear that at first she was not admitted to university and that she did not have any funding and because of that I stepped in to help where I can. By doing this, we are also supporting and encouraging the rest of the learners she has left behind to do better academically. Also, those in better positions should support the rest who are not able to pursue studies due to lack of finance,” he said.
He further said Fiina had managed to acquire a loan from the Namibia students financial assistance fund and that the sponsorship will go towards extra cost she might encounter as she begins her academic year.
Dr Ellen Namhila of Unam said the gesture of giving was not in the amount given, but the essence of giving. She added that the bright student had shown perseverance and hard work. “Knowledge is for sharing. Without sharing there won't be any education. Be an example to your peers because they want to be in the same shoes as you.”
Dean of Students, Margreth Mainga, who was also present to witness the handover of the sponsorship, said most students wait for donors to fund them since they did not have money. “The money will help her to get along and I also urge other Unam alumni to follow in the footsteps of Henry who was also a student of the university,” she said.
Fiina is the oldest of four children and says her mother is her inspiration. She enrolled at the University of Namibia to pursue a degree in pharmacy.
She adds that her interest and curiosity in how various medicines are made fuelled her career choice. “It is my dream to go further in the pharmaceutical field and perhaps one day own a firm which will help disadvantaged people. I'm very happy with what I have received and I promise to do my best in my studies,” she adds emotionally.