The NAMDIA Foundation has launched a N$2.8 million annual Bursary Scheme in honour of Zacharias Lewala, who discovered the first diamond in Namibia, in 1908 in Kolmanskuppe.
The Foundation, through the scheme, aims to award 14 bursaries valued at N$ 200 000 maximum per year to one student from each region annually to pursue their tertiary education.
The bursary scheme is open to all Namibians under the age of 25 years who wish to pursue full-time studies at a recognized Tertiary Education Institution and are in possession of a Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSCO) or equivalent, permitting registration as a student.
The bursary is granted for one field of study and each applicant can only participate once in the scheme for the full completion of a qualification in a particular field of study.
An added advantage will be given to qualifications in the diamond industry value chain and in the scarce skills fields, including but not limited to the fields of Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Scientist, Climate Change Scientist, Agricultural Scientist, Industrial Engineer, Mining and Vocational Educational Training.
Students from the marginalised communities who meet the criteria will receive preference in selection.
