Student wants to work even harder after bursary

“The support I have received goes beyond financial assistance. It is motivation to strive for excellence.

“Moreover, this bursary has relieved the yearning for a part-time job to cover my expenses. Instead, I can now devote myself entirely to my studies.”

These were the words of Windhoek-born Tangi Amushelelo (20), a third-year bachelor of science in financial mathematics student at the University of Namibia, after receiving a bursary.

Amushelelo says being a recipient has made him grateful.

“When I first received the news that I was chosen as a bursary recipient, I felt such joy and I immediately shared the news with my parents, who shared in my happiness,” he says.

“I have transformed into a more accountable person than ever before. My academic performance carries the hopes and trust of the generous donor, Namibia Asset Management. Their investment in my education fuels my determination to succeed,” he says.

Looking ahead, Amushelelo says, he aspires to secure employment with Namibia Asset Management.

“I dream of becoming an actuarial analyst, contributing to the field of finance and making my parents and Namibia proud,” he says.

He says the bursary has provided him with the essential resources needed to excel – from textbooks to stationery.

Amushelelo says his parents support him and his three siblings, while they are sometimes faced with financial challenges.

This bursary would ease their burden, he says.

“But my ambitions extend beyond personal success. I hope to one day give back to my community, assisting students in need, just as I have been helped,” Amushelelo says.

Bursaries and financial support for students are important as they create opportunities for those who do not have the finances to pay for their own studies, he says.

They also help students focus fully on their studies and give them the chance to rise above their circumstances.

Amushelelo says he would like to encourage fellow students to work hard to qualify for bursaries.

He commends the Unam Foundation and Namibia Asset Management for their continued support.

His father, Simeon Amushelelo, says: “It is unbelievable that there are still institutions that care about the Namibian child and are willing to assist without expecting anything in return, except that a student passes well.

“The award has helped us financially, especially since my son did not qualify for a Namibia Students Financial Assitance Fund loan.

“By now we would have gone for a bank loan to fund my son’s studies. Thanks a lot to the Unam Foundation and their sponsor.”

Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho says the Unam Foundation awarded three commerce students bursaries to the value of N$216 890 from Namibia Asset Management.

“This bursary donation has accommodated the deserving students, and is therefore helping to shape the future leaders of our nation.”

Namesho says the bursary scheme has been operating for the last five years.

The criteria were based on academic results and financial challenges, he says.

At the handover ceremony, Namibia Asset Management chief executive Tarah Shaanika encouraged young people to take charge of their lives and maintain ethical values.