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NSFAF expands funding to include repeaters, bridging graduates, and students across all income levels

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has unveiled a groundbreaking policy shift, expanding its funding model to include repeaters, bridging programme graduates and those from all income levels.

Speaking at the launch of the NSFAF student loans online application in Windhoek on Tuesday, deputy minister of higher education, technology and innovation Natalia /Goagoses said the fund is implementing a shift in policy from a pro-poor system to a system expanding access to tertiary education.

“The expanded loan funding options include recognition of prior learning, funding after the completion of bridging programmes, funding repeaters who failed a year, the funding of certificates at NQF level 5 and articulations funding at diploma, bachelor’s and vocational training levels,” she said.

ALL WALKS OF LIFE QUALIFY

/Goagoses said the new loan system aims to fund eligible Namibians from all walks of life to access higher education and training.

“In addition, and to ensure true inclusivity, the NSFAF will also do away with the means test. In other words, the eligibility should not be based on income threshold going forward,” she said.

The president of the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso), Dorthea Nangolo, yesterday said the move stands as a victory for students and Nanso because they have been calling for these reforms for the past two years.

“Luckily, last year the fund was reviewing its funding model and we were very vocal about what we want it to look like. We’re very happy that it looks like our initial vision,” she said.

Nangolo said the union realised that student debt is often the result of a few failed modules students cannot afford to pay themselves.

Natalia /Goagoses

NO INCOME THRESHOLD

She said the decision by NSFAF to do away with the income threshold is in the favour of students whose parents do not support them.

“We realise that student debt, especially among NSFAF students, is a result of modules you left behind, and you cannot afford to pay for yourself.

“A lot of students who have deadbeat parents are well off, but not involved in the child’s life,” Nangolo said.

She said the NSFAF’s decision would require more government funding. Nangolo said an education levy is necessary to address the fund’s needs.

The entity set aside N$3 billion for the new loan system, which she said is not enough.

Nangolo suggests the entity should rather have put aside N$10 million.

“Education requires a lot of money. Government budgeting is not enough. There must be an education levy that sustainably funds education,” she said.

‘MOMENTOUS MILESTONE’

Landless People’s Movement (LPM) youth wing spokesperson William Minnie yesterday said the LPM Youth Command Element commends the NSFAF’s policy amendments.

He said this progressive shift is a momentous milestone in the advancement of accessible and inclusive education for Namibian students.

“The decision to abolish means testing, expand funding to include certificates at NQF Level 5, recognise prior learning, and articulate funding into diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and vocational training signifies a commitment to broadening educational opportunities for all,” Minnie said.

He said the removal of the income threshold is a crucial step towards dismantling structural barriers that have long marginalised many aspiring students.

Minnie said the LPM Youth Command Element stands ready to support this initiative and calls for its effective implementation to ensure no student is left behind.

“We applaud this transformative policy direction, which aligns with the principles of equitable education and national development.
“It is a testament to the ministry’s recognition of education as a fundamental right and a catalyst for socio-economic progress.”

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