Rossing Mobile Science

The Mobile Laboratory, which is funded by Nedbank, is a mobile replica of the Rössing Foundation’s Mathematics, English and Science Centres operated in the towns of Arandis, Swakopmund and Ondangwa. These centres were established by the Rössing Foundation to combat the educational challenges relating to Mathematics, English and Science in the country.

Unfortunately, the utilisation and benefits of these centres are limited to teachers and learners residing close to them and schools that are able to transport teachers and learners to them. This means the majority of rural schools in poor communities continue to miss out on the valuable opportunities offered by this programme.

The Rössing Foundation approached Nedbank to assist in making their Mathematics, English and Science Centres mobile, and so the Mobile Science Laboratory was born. Nedbank has committed to sponsoring three of these vehicles, fully equipped with the necessary instruments and material to bring much needed educational aid in Mathematics, Science and English to rural schools across Namibia.

Speaking at the launch, our Managing Director, Lionel Matthews, said that education is one of the three defined pillars underpinning Nedbank’s philosophy in terms of corporate social investment.

He said, “I may well be preaching to the converted, considering the eminent educational leaders in attendance, when I say that education remains a prime ingredient in providing access to employment, economic prosperity, improved quality of life, personal fulfilment and growth for all Namibia’s people. That is an undeniable fact. And as a good corporate citizen, Nedbank Namibia will never shun our obligation in this regard.”

He added, “At Nedbank Namibia, we have visions of the mobile lab being welcomed with joy and enthusiasm by communities in the furthest recesses of our country. But more importantly, we have visions of touching the lives of numerous teachers and learners alike, and inspiring them to embrace a future of untold interest in science and mathematics.”

The Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Hon. Katrina Hanse-Himarwa (MP), who officially launched the first Mobile Science Laboratory, commended Nedbank and the Rössing Foundation saying, “with hard work and dedication, Nedbank and the Rössing Foundation have managed to implement an innovative approach to extending the enrichment benefits to rural schools through the practical presence of the Mobile Science Lab,” which she described as “a quality service solution at the doorstep of our rural communities, responding to the call of President Dr. Hage Geingob, that no Namibian should be left behind.”

This is just one way of Nedbank Namibia “Making a Bright Future Happen” for our next generation of leaders!