The Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) recently pledged N$300 000 towards the national internship programme of the Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC).
Other sponsors already on board include Momentum Metropolitan, Old Mutual Namibia, and Standard Bank Namibia.
MTC contributes N$2 million to this programme annually.
MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo has welcomed the NIP’s contribution during the handover ceremony in Windhoek this week.
“This will significantly enhance the NIP’s capacity to address the national shortage of work-integrated learning opportunities. We encourage further corporate participation to collectively address this critical need,” he said.
Ekandjo said additional Namibian corporations should contribute a minimum of N$200 000 to expand the programme.
Oaitse Van Staden, the NIP’s chief human capital officer, said the institute’s financial commitment aligns with its Integrated Strategic Business Plan for 2022 to 2027, which prioritises capacity development.
“It empowers young people to advance their careers,” she said.
Van Staden said Namibia faces a significant challenge of over 48 000 students requiring internships to graduate.
“Recognising this national need, MTC launched the programme in 2019. It has grown steadily, placing 160 students in its inaugural year and currently facilitating placements for 300 students.
“The ambitious goal is to reach 1 600 students yearly, requiring an annual investment of N$14 million,” she said.
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