Windhoek: Twenty-three vulnerable learners from schools across the Hardap Region received educational support packages on Friday through the Standard Bank Namibia Blue Child Champion Project, implemented in partnership with the Forum for African Women Educationalists Namibia (FAWENA).According to Namibia Press Agency, the beneficiaries received school uniforms, stationery, toiletries, and a sum of N$150 per learner during a handover ceremony held at the Hardap Regional Council offices in Mariental. Speaking at the event, Standard Bank Namibia South Regional Manager Corne Cloete emphasized the initiative's role in the bank's commitment to investing in education and empowering young individuals to achieve their full potential.Cloete noted that the support packages, although simple, aim to help learners attend school with confidence and dignity, thereby removing some barriers that hinder academic success. He highlighted that through its partnership with FAWENA, Standard Bank continues to support vulnerable l earners across the country through initiatives such as the Blue Child Champion Project. "We hope these resources will ease some of the daily challenges faced by learners and encourage them to remain committed to their educational journey," he said.Hardap Deputy Director of Education Asumptha Kaoseb commended Standard Bank Namibia and FAWENA for their continued investment in education, stating that the initiative restores dignity and improves access to learning for vulnerable children. Kaoseb mentioned that 317 vulnerable learners from all 14 regions are benefiting from the project this year through the provision of school uniforms, stationery, toiletries, and transport assistance. She also highlighted Standard Bank's commitment of N$1.5 million annually over three years towards the programme, describing it as an investment that fosters hope and opportunity for young Namibians.Kaoseb noted that the programme has invested more than N$13 million since its inception in 2009 and has supported over 900 benefici aries, many of whom have gone on to become professionals, including doctors, engineers, teachers, and entrepreneurs. "Partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society remain critical to achieving equitable access to quality education in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4," she said. Kaoseb encouraged the learners to remain focused on their education and make full use of the opportunity provided to them.The Blue Child Champion Project supports vulnerable learners by providing educational necessities aimed at improving school attendance, academic performance, and learner wellbeing. The benefiting schools in the Hardap Region are PI Groenewaldt, |Anes Secondary, Dr Lemmer High, C ||Oaseb Secondary, and Mariental High School.