Anonymous donor saves engineering dream

University of Namibia electrical engineering student and visual artisan Morning Nepela has completed his third year and is now in his final year after receiving financial assistance from an anonymous donor.

Nepela says he failed his third year in 2024 and could not afford to re-register due to a lack of funds.

He says he decided to use his artistic skills to raise money by drawing a portrait of the president, with the aim of selling it to raise N$7 000 for registration.

“I drew the president’s portrait so that I could raise N$7 000 for registration, but people started donating. A person that I don’t know to this today paid N$33 580 that I needed for the entire year,” Nepela says.

He is a final-year electrical engineering student and a self-taught visual artisan who makes hyper-realistic pencil drawings, paintings, wall art, logos and coats of arms, particularly for schools and public institutions.

He says the artwork gained attention on social media, leading to donations from people across Namibia and abroad.

Nepela says the financial assistance allowed him to repeat, pass his third year and continue with his studies.

“I wanted to announce it publicly, because since the results came out I did not tell anyone,” he says.

He says he plans to make an exhibition of his artworks, adding that some pieces will be sold while others will be gifted to individuals who supported him during his difficult period.

Nepela says his focus remains on his engineering studies, while he continues to work as an artist on the side.

He says art has always been part of his life, but his skills were developed independently through practice, discipline and consistency, eventually allowing him to work professionally.

Nepela says he was motivated to pursue both engineering and art because of his interest in problem-solving and creativity, adding that he did not want to choose between the two fields.

He says failing academically and facing financial challenges tested his confidence and hope, but it helped shape his determination.

“It taught me resilience, humility and the importance of believing in my abilities. It also taught me that asking for help is not a weakness,” he says.

Nepela says consistency, patience, self-belief and hard work have been critical to his progress, while his engineering background strengthened his focus and problem-solving skills.

He encourages young people not to underestimate their talents, saying even skills developed as hobbies can create opportunities and change lives when nurtured and applied with discipline.

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