The Old Mutual Foundation (OMF) has launched the Chair & Desk (C&D) Initiative, a project created to address the urgent demand for usable chairs and desks in public schools throughout Namibia’s 14 regions.
The C&D Initiative, funded to the tune of N$500,000, aims to provide new chairs and desks to schools with a real need, while also repairing all fixable damaged chairs and desks.
The foundation plans to partner with local entrepreneurs, businesses, vocational training facilities, and correctional services to collaborate on the provision and repair of furniture to ensure the success of the initiative.
“Chairs and desks are desperately needed in most of our schools throughout the country. I am quite appreciative of the Old Mutual Foundation for coming up with this fantastic idea, which will not only replace any damaged furniture in our classrooms but will also provide new furniture that will have a positive effect on learners’ capacity to perform. We appreciate having partners in education,” said Dr. Alexia Ileka, acting school principal of Abraham Iyambo Primary School.
Mignon du Preez, Old Mutual Namibia Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Executive, appealed to other corporates and individuals to join resources with the Old Mutual Foundation to ensure that a greater impact is achieved through this chair and desk drive.
The Old Mutual Foundation is Old Mutual’s corporate social investment vehicle and is funded by a 1% allocation of after-tax profit from the company annually.