Old Mutual Namibia is excited to launch the 2025 edition of its Chair and Desk Initiative, with an impressive N$1 million investment through the Old Mutual Foundation to improve classroom conditions and restore dignity to learning across Namibian schools.
Applications are now open for schools in Kavango East, Kavango West, Khomas, and Hardap regions. Only two schools per region will be selected: one for the supply of brand-new furniture, and one for the repair of existing desks and chairs. Applications must be submitted exclusively online from 15 May to 30 May 2025. No email or hand-delivered applications will be accepted.
“We believe that every learner deserves a dignified space to learn. This initiative is more than furniture, it’s about creating opportunity and hope,” said Mignon du Preez, the Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive of Old Mutual Namibia. Winners will be announced on 6 June 2025 via Old Mutual’s social media platforms. Since its launch in 2023, the Chair and Desk Initiative has uplifted 12 schools, with 16 more set to benefit by 2026.
In 2023, the initiative reached schools in the Zambezi, Omaheke, and Kunene regions. In Zambezi, Mavuluma Combined School received 100 brand-new chairs and desks, while Silumbi Combined School benefited from the repair of 100 existing units. In the Omaheke Region, Christoff Ngatjizeko Primary School was equipped with 100 new chairs and desks, and Gunichas RC Primary School saw the restoration of 70 chairs and 56 desks. The Kunene Region also saw significant impact, with 100 new chairs and desks delivered to Elias Amxab Combined School and another 100 units handed over to the Okapara Mobile Unit.
In 2024, the Foundation extended its reach to the //Kharas, Erongo, and Oshana regions. In //Kharas, Aussenkehr Primary School received 100 new chairs and desks, while Kaitsi! Gubeb Combined School had 80 units repaired. The Erongo Region saw upgrades at Okongue Primary School, which received 50 new and 40 refurbished chairs and desks, and Justus //Garoeb High School, which was furnished with 100 brand-new units. In the Oshana Region, Panguleni Primary School received 100 new chairs and desks, and Iidhiya Primary School had 80 existing units repaired.
With a total of N$600 000 invested in 2023, N$800 000 in 2024, and now N$1 million in 2025, the initiative continues to grow in reach and impact. Through partnerships with Okakarara and Eenhana Vocational Training Centres, the Foundation is not only equipping schools with chairs and desks but also empowering local talent and boosting skills development among Namibian youth.
About the Old Mutual Foundation
The Old Mutual Foundation is Old Mutual Namibia’s corporate social investment vehicle, funded by a 1% of after-tax profit allocation annually – it aims to deliver a wide range of social initiatives throughout Namibia. Key objectives of the Old Mutual Foundation include:
- To develop and maintain an effective social empowerment programme.
- To create opportunities for skills development.
- To promote sustainable development.
About the Chair and Desk Initiative
The Old Mutual Foundation’s Chair and Desk Initiative is a flagship programme aimed at improving learning conditions in under-resourced Namibian schools by providing and repairing classroom furniture. Launched to support the right to quality education, the initiative addresses critical shortages of desks and chairs, helping to create more dignified and functional learning environments for learners across the country.
Schools in need of chairs and desks are invited to apply here to be considered before 30 May 2025.