“Transforming lives through community empowerment and Innovation.”
The Rössing Foundation: 2023 at a glance
The Rössing Foundation’s 2023-2027 Strategy, outlining its renewed programmatic focus, which is pitched towards contributing to Namibia’s developmental agenda, was operationalised during 2023. The Foundation’s strategy identified four strategic objectives comprising of eight core interventions, namely: education, entrepreneurship, food systems, water security, health, climate change, leadership, and governance. The new programme delivery approach harnesses expertise, resources, and novelties from a wide range of institutions in the public, private and non-profit sectors to provide groundbreaking solutions that effectively tackle Namibia’s developmental challenges.
The Foundation spent N$18.4 million during 2023 to execute its mandate, which was enabled by a diverse group of partners and individuals who share similar goals. The Foundation’s interventions are aligned with national development frameworks and initiatives, including the United Nations’ SDGs.
EDUCATION: Increase access to equitable and innovative educational opportunities for girls and out-of-school youth.
The Namibian education system has been confronted with many challenges inhibiting the delivery of quality education, particularly in rural schools. Through its flagship “Learning Enhanced, Learning Accessed” Project, the Foundation aimed to improve systemic learning of about 15,000 learners and enhance lucid curriculum delivery through the provision of textbooks and related educational tools in the sciences, mathematics, agriculture, and entrepreneurship subjects.
1. The Foundation donated 11,652 textbooks and a variety of learning tools such as laboratory equipment, tablets, and projectors to 11 secondary schools in Karas, Hardap, Erongo, Kavango West, Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshana Regions.
2. With a focus on improving basic science knowledge and practice, the Foundation donated 2,162 textbooks to six primary schools in Erongo, Kunene, and Oshikoto Regions.
3. In the effort to inculcate a reading culture among learners and the communities, the Rössing Foundation donated 5,423 library books to 28 rural schools, collectively benefiting 17,861 learners in ten regions.
4. In recognition of outstanding performances by individuals within the education sector in the Erongo Region, the Foundation donated iPads to 24 learners and Wi-Fi modems to 137 teachers to enhance their learning and teaching activities.
5. The Mobile Science Laboratory has delivered hands-on learning to 3,277 learners from 44 schools in Erongo, Kavango West, Oshikoto, Khomas, Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshana Regions.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Scale up the development of value chains and use of digital and mobile technology for youth entrepreneurship.
1. The Rössing Foundation facilitated the participation of youth from five sports clubs based in Oshana Region in the 2023 Rössing National Marathon. From the 19 athletes, 3 won 1st places in the categories of 21km Junior Men, 21km Junior Women, and 10km Junior Men, and a 2nd place in the 10km Junior Men race.
2. The Foundation has sponsored operational facilities for the non-governmental organisation “Men on the Side of the Road”, where unemployed youth and adults are offered specialist services to prepare for the job market and, where appropriate, assistance to formulate business plans and related documentation to apply for commercial loans and potential self-employment projects.
WATER SECURITY: Increase access to quality water in resource-limited landscapes.
1. The Foundation committed N$400,000 towards the improvement of water infrastructure at Bunya in Kavango West Region. The works include the installation of a solar powered water pumping system, drinking water fountains and stations, the water distribution network, and for onsite reticulation distribution network at Bunya Combined School in Kavango West Region.
2. The Foundation completed technical assessment works for the installation of rural water infrastructure and construction of ablution facilities at eight sites in the Erongo, Kunene, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango West and Omusati Regions.
FOOD SYSTEMS: Strengthen the food production and processing capacities of rural households and agribusinesses.
1. In its resolve to bolster food systems and unlock opportunities for youth in agribusiness, The Rössing Foundation donated agricultural inputs, tools and equipment valued at N$60,000 to youth horticulture and agronomy farmers, and agro-inputs worth N$40,000 to two schools.
HEALTH: Improve health of rural Namibian girls and reduce suffering, disease, and death due to disasters and complex emergencies.
1. The Foundation donated N$350,000 to the Ruach Elohim Foundation, an organisation based in Swakopmund that educates the communities on prevention of baby dumping and at the same time, taking care of the victims of dumping.
2. During the holiday classes offered by the Foundation at Ondangwa, 32 learners were sensitised against drug abuse and illicit trafficking by Namibian Police Drugs Unit and the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Promote climate resilient measures to protect the environment and lives and enhance Namibia’s recycling footprint.
The Rössing Foundation supported the Tses Village Council in carrying out a clean-up campaign aimed at creating awareness and educating the residents about the importance of cleanliness, recycling and general environmental health in their village.
GOVERNANCE: Promote good governance and business integrity and maintain an effective corporate image, recognised as a leader in empowering communities
The Foundation made significant strides in enhancing its internal governance systems and processes. Its commitment to transparency, integrity, and ethical practices has resulted in the implementation of robust governance structures and policies as we start to align with the newly adopted NamCode. We have worked tirelessly to ensure our decision-making processes are fair, accountable, and aligned with the best practices in the industry. By fostering a culture of good governance, we are not only safeguarding the interests of our stakeholders but also setting a benchmark for excellence in the philanthropy space.
1. In support of the governance of wildlife resources to enhance income and livelihoods for rural economies, the Foundation donated specialised equipment, materials, and tools valued at N$165,000 to the Namibian Police Force for use in the “Preserve the Rhinos” anti-poaching operations within the Skeleton Coast area and other conservation zones.
2. The Rössing Foundation pledged to empower four school principals from Erongo Region with leadership development and strategic management training to enhance school governance and operational efficiency.
PARTNERSHIPS: Enhance strategic co-operation in transforming lives of vulnerable communities.
The Foundation reflects on its impact gains cognisant of the collective effort and unwavering support by its stakeholders, including its dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, committed sponsors, and loyal community members. The enthusiasm and belief of stakeholders in the Foundation’s vision and mission fuelled the attainment of significant results in the first year of implementing the 2023–2027 Strategy.
The Foundation is thankful to its partners for joint implementation of actions and in particular by, in no order of priority: Total Energies Namibia; Ministry of Urban and Rural Development; Nedbank Namibia; the MAWLR; Rössing Uranium Limited; the Namibia Agronomic Board; the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture; Tses Village Council; Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia; the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare; Namibian Association of Community-based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations; the Ministry of Environment and Tourism; Coca-Cola Namibia; the Namibian Police Force; the Ministry of Health and Social Services; Namibian Dairies; National Federation of Disabilities; PUMA; and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and National Service.
