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Our Social Investment Fund
The fund recognises the challenges of high levels of unemployment and low life expectancy rates and concentrates on projects that develop sustainable self-sufficiency and result in a positive contribution to the national economy in the fields of entrepreneurship, education and health. At all times, we favour projects where recipients will learn new skills and practices, in turn passing this knowledge on to others.
Through the fund, the bank continues to touch thousands of Namibians directly and thousands more indirectly. Every person who develops marketable skills, from subsistence farming to tertiary education, is one more who can be integrated into formal and informal job markets. Support takes the form of non-repayable grants and low-interest loans with affordable repayment periods.
Some of the major initiatives supported through the Social Investment Fund include the ZERI (Zero Emission Research Initiative) mushroom production project in conjunction with the University of Namibia; the Organisation for the Empowerment of Widows/Widowers and Orphans of HIV/Aids in Namibia (OEWONA), a project of the First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba; and the Polytechnic of Namibia’s SME Development project, as managed by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (CED).
In the ZERI Mushroom Farming Project, emphasis is placed on the optimal utilisation of abundant organic waste and other natural resources to ensure the sustainable cultivation of mushrooms. Ultimately, the project is aimed at poverty reduction, employment creation, community involvement and food security.
The Nedbank Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Development project sees SME business owners trained in areas such as bookkeeping, financial planning, budgetary control and management of a small business. As part of their responsibilities, the CED also assists with mentoring activities to the participants after completing the programme.
OEWONA is a registered welfare organisation promoting the empowerment of widows/widowers and orphans of HIV/Aids through improving their living standards. This is done by facilitating access to better nutrition, instilling self-confidence through their own contributions to the organisation and improving access to basic services.
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