.JPG)
The Capricorn Foundation believes that investing in education has a ripple effect on the overall economic growth of a country. The Capricorn Foundation, funded by Capricorn Group's subsidiaries Bank Windhoek, Capricorn Asset Management and Entrepo, dedicated almost N$1.8 million in the last three months to various education and training initiatives, addressing infrastructure, providing study materials and personnel training and addressing rural-urban education gaps in Namibia.
"As a Connector of Positive Change, the Capricorn Foundation is proud of its track record since it was launched in 2020 to bring about positive change through a portfolio of more than 40 projects and programmes across Namibia that continue to benefit from the Foundation's support. With our support to education and training initiatives focusing on Grades 10 to 12 and Early Childhood Development (ECD), we aim to empower Namibian learners and set them on a path of career success and personal development," said Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation.
The Amos Meerkat Syllabus (AMS) enhances existing non-governmental preschools in Namibian farms and rural and informal communities without proper curricula. Aligned with Ministry of Education standards, AMS provides an updated Christian curriculum, preparing learners for Grade 1. The program empowers teachers to build their self-esteem, values, and character. This initiative uplifts and empowers women, helping them discover their worth and realise their role in communities, providing an income opportunity. AMS reaches over 4000 children nationwide, with the Capricorn Foundation committing N$420,000 to support the initiative.
EduVision Online Learning addresses rural-urban education gaps, enhancing Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Biology education for remote marginalised schools through e-learning and modern technology. For 2024, the Capricorn Foundation committed to adopting two schools, Pioneer Secondary School in Schlip and C. //Oaseb Senior Secondary School in Gibeon, with a total contribution of N$670,000.00 (N$335,000 per school) to improve online learning access.
D.R.C. Women's Community Trust ECD was founded in October 2018 as a non-profit initiative empowering unemployed Namibian women through arts and crafts. 15 to 20 women create and sell items using beads and recycled materials, providing income and cultural expression. The project includes the Grow Together Kindergarten, educating 140 children aged 4-6 from impoverished households and ensuring a healthy daily meal. The Capricorn Foundation committed N$75,000 for food support and stationery.
Promiseland Trust drives positive community change, specifically for vulnerable children, addressing academic, social, economic, and environmental challenges through education and feeding initiatives. Prioritising nutrition for healthy growth, their main focus is providing nutritious meals to enhance student engagement and empowerment. With six social projects, including School Feeding and Afternoon Feeding (Soup Kitchen), they aid approximately 400 underprivileged children daily. The School Feeding Project supplies 2390 children with two slices of bread and tomato fish three times weekly, totalling 7170 kids monthly. In 2023, they contributed 250,230 break-time sandwiches to six local primary schools. The Foundation has allocated N$200,000 to support the Trust's Feeding and Forming project, covering increased running costs for 2024.
Karstveld Academy was established in Grootfontein in January 2021 and is committed to elevating Namibia's educational standards through academic and cultural excellence. The Capricorn Foundation committed N$409,200 to Karstveld Academy towards bursaries for six Grade 10 learners covering school and hostel fees.
