De Beers Namibia Holdings will make N$10 million (US$650,000) available over five years to support the programme run through UNAM’s southern campus at Keetmanshoop, with UNAM providing administrative support.

The programme aims to complement the Government’s efforts to support Namibian children in marginalised communities to fulfill their academic potential.

At least 50 per cent of the beneficiaries will be girls. For 2016, 87 students, 60 of them girls, have been selected for support. They will receive help with costs related to tuition fees, books and accommodation.

Philippe Mellier, Chief Executive of De Beers Group, said: “De Beers has a proud history of supporting education programmes wherever we operate. For example, our joint venture companies Namdeb and Debmarine Namibia continue to support Namibian students with bursary programmes, mostly in the field of science and engineering.

“We are therefore delighted to partner with UNAM in this exciting new venture. We know very well that there is no substitute for a good education in giving children the best start in life. We are proud that we can make this contribution in supporting government efforts to make higher education accessible to children from marginalised communities.”