250 learners get vision aid
For some learners, keeping up in the classroom can be difficult without the basic tools needed to learn. For others, the challenge is not having clear vision to read what is written on the board or in their textbooks. These everyday barriers can quietly affect a learner’s academic performance and limit their ability to reach their full potential.
Recognising these challenges, SanlamAllianz today handed over more than 150 boxes of stationery and 250 pairs of prescription glasses to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture.
The stationery will be distributed to selected schools nationwide to support improved learning environments, while the prescription glasses are earmarked for learners from the Otjozondjupa Region under the SanlamAllianz Vision for Change initiative. This programme aims to identify learners with vision challenges and ensure they receive the eye care support needed to succeed in the classroom.
The donation was formally received by Honourable Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture, during a handover ceremony held earlier today at the Ministry.
Launched in 2017, the Vision for Change initiative is implemented in partnership with Shaetonhodi Optometrists and with the endorsement of the Ministry. The programme brings eye screenings directly to schools, helping identify learners whose academic performance may be affected by undiagnosed vision problems. To date, more than 2,910 learners have been screened across several regions in Namibia, with over 2,000 learners receiving prescription glasses through the programme.
SanlamAllianz CEO, Tertius Stears, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to removing barriers to education and empowering young Namibians.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools we have to transform lives and build a prosperous future. Yet many learners face challenges that often go unnoticed, whether it is not having the stationery they need to do their schoolwork or simply being unable to clearly see what is written on the board. Through initiatives such as Vision for Change, we are committed to helping remove these barriers so that learners can fully participate in the classroom and achieve their academic goals,” Stears said.
This year alone, SanlamAllianz has committed more than N$2 million toward educational initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes and supporting youth development in Namibia. These initiatives include learner vision screening, testing and the provision of prescription glasses, bursaries for students at institutions of higher learning, and internship opportunities for graduates.
Additional support has been provided through connectivity solutions and smart boards to schools in Tsumkwe—enabling learners to access subject-matter expertise from educators in Otjiwarongo—as well as the donation of desks and tables to schools in need. SanlamAllianz also supports a national career fair and hosts an annual teachers’ sports tournament in the Kavango East Region.
To further promote youth empowerment, the company provides seed capital through the SanlamAllianz Bridge Programme, enabling young entrepreneurs to start and grow small businesses.
Speaking at the handover, deputy education minister Dino Ballotti emphasised the importance of partnerships in strengthening Namibia’s education system.
“Initiatives such as this remind us of the critical role that smart partnerships play in strengthening our education system. Government alone cannot address every challenge faced by our schools and learners. It requires collaboration between government, the private sector, communities and civil society to ensure that every child has a fair opportunity to succeed,” Ballotti said.
Through these initiatives, SanlamAllianz continues to support Namibia’s development priorities by empowering young people and creating opportunities for learners to reach their full potential.
