OSHAMBA, Namibia, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese-invested Swakop Uranium's Husab mine in Namibia on Friday contributed to the country's quest to bridge the digital divide by donating computer equipment to the Lazarus Haufiku Combined School in Oshamba village in the northern region of Ohangwena.
About 550 students will benefit from the donation, which includes 16 computers, a high-performance printer, and a school fence for security.
At the handover ceremony, which was attended by government officials and community members, Ester Nghipondoka, Namibian minister of education, arts and culture, said the gesture is a powerful statement of commitment to education.
"Swakop Uranium's 'Invest in Education' Campaign is a beacon of hope, having committed over 3 million Namibian dollars (about 172,000 U.S. dollars) in 2024 alone across various regions," she said, adding that the support from the miner exemplifies what it means to be a "true friend of education."
As Namibia moves toward digitalization, it is imperative that schools are equipped with the necessary tools and resources for tomorrow's future, said Nghipondoka.
Sebastian Ndeitunga, governor of the Ohangwena Region, commended all those who have mobilized the resources to support the education sector in the region.
"Development partners and businesses such as the Swakop Uranium Mine are of great importance and will have a long-term, far-reaching impact on our education sector," he said.
Qiu Bin, chief executive officer of Swakop Uranium, said the company's corporate social responsibility is to support sustainable projects that uplift communities across Namibia, especially rural communities.
"With access to modern technology and the internet, students will have easier access to the outside world, broaden their horizons, and be better equipped for the future," he said, adding that the miner will continue with such initiatives and play its part in ensuring the socio-economic development of Namibia.
Lazarus Haufiku is one of the top academic schools in the Ohangwena Region, excelling in academics, leadership, sports, and culture, although it has struggled with a lack of technology. ■
