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Standard Bank of Namibia to Support United States Ambassadors Girls Scholarship Program Empowering More Namibian Girls and Boys to Stay in School and Graduate

On Monday, September 22nd at A. Shipena Secondary School in Katutura, U.S. Ambassador Dennise Mathieu and Standard Bank of Namibia Managing Director Pupuma Mpumzi, joined by Minister of Education, Hon. Nangolo Mbumba and Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Rosalia Nghidinwa, officially launched the public private partnership between the United States Ambassadors Girls Scholarship Program (AGSP) and Standard Bank of Namibia, to expand the reach of this program to empower additional orphaned and vulnerable Namibian learners to take control of their futures, by staying in school, performing well in school and reaching the goal of graduation.   

The Standard Bank contribution to the Ambassadors Girls Scholarship Program, totaling over $N2.5 million, will enable an additional 200 learners to attend and do well in school for the next five years – to move beyond primary education and reach the goal of graduation.

“I am thrilled that Standard Bank has joined us as a partner in this important program, allowing us to expand its reach and impact.  I applaud Standard Bank for stepping up to the plate and actively investing in Namibia’s future by investing in her future leaders,” states Ambassador Mathieu.

The Girls’ Scholarship Program is part of USAID’s Africa Education Initiative and a key element of the basic education strategy that the U.S. Government supports in Namibia.  It first provided assistance to orphaned and vulnerable primary school girls in grades 1-7, through the U.S. Africa Education Initiative (AEI).  In the past year and a half, we have extended support to secondary school learners in grades 8-12, (AGSP Plus) through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.  Most recently, the program has been expanded to include promising orphaned and vulnerable boys. 

As of 2007, the U.S. Government has provided approximately $412 million Namibian dollars to improve the quality of education and mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on the education sector in Namibia.

All media are invited to cover the launch ceremonies.  For further information, please contact Public Affairs Officer, Raymond Castillo, at 0811280816 or Information Assistant, Roger Lyners at 229801 (ext. 226).