CSR Case Studies: Bannerman Resources Supporting Namibians in obtaining their trade diplomas

THE CHALLENGE:

The expansion of the uranium and gold mining industry in Namibia has brought an increase in demand for individuals with skills in the electrical, fitting, boiler making and diesel mechanic trades. In particular, the Erongo Region in Namibia has experienced a ‘uranium rush’ over the past several years. Unless something is done to address this situation, it is likely that individuals with such skills will need to be sourced from neighbouring countries to meet this demand, but at a much higher cost.

Notwithstanding this skills shortage, Namibia has a high unemployment rate of over 50%. Many young Namibians find it difficult to gain employment when they leave school as they do not have the resources (financial and knowledge) to continue further studies.

This Bannerman project not only address the skills shortage, but will change the futures of participating candidates and their families, as well as have a positive impact on the wider community.

Students who completed the first year of their trade diploma.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The aim of this project was to enable and support disadvantaged young Namibians to continue their education and gain tertiary qualifications in order to reduce the current skills shortage.
This was achieved through:
• Providing the opportunity for seven disadvantaged young Namibians to complete the first year of a trade diploma.
• Working collaboratively with the Honourable Chairman of the National Council of Namibia to ensure the right candidates were selected.
• Ensuring the selected candidates were aware of the performance requirements.
• Supporting selected candidates through regular monitoring and interaction.

This project commenced in November 2011 and was completed in December 2012.

BENEFICIARIES OF THIS PROJECT

Four young ladies and three men were selected to study at the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology in the electrician, fitter, diesel mechanic and boilermaker trades. Prior to this project, the selected candidates had not had the resources to continue their studies and had been unemployed for a year after completing their Grade 12 school education.

Participating candidates were all from less-privileged communities. This project has enhanced the lives not only of the participants, but more broadly of their families and their communities as the candidates completed their trade diplomas and became gainfully employed in industry in Namibian.

ENGAGEMENT WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS

The organisations listed below worked in partnership to plan and implement this project:

Australian Government – AusAid, Head of Mission Direct Aid Programme
The Australian Government through the High Commission to South Africa provided the tuition cost for the seven candidates, contributing financially to 60% of the total project cost.

Bannerman Mining Resources (Namibia)
Bannerman contributed financially to 40% of the total project costs, providing transport, accommodation and job attachments for the candidates. Bannerman also coordinated the registration, transport and accommodation for the selected candidates, and communicated with them on a regular basis to monitor their progress and address any challenges. In addition, Bannerman arranged job attachments for candidates with reputable Namibian companies. Bannerman’s contribution was managed by the Erongo Development Foundation.

Erongo Development Foundation (EDF)
EDF assisted with the selection process of the seven candidates. They managed the implementation and ongoing monitoring of the project and were the direct recipients of the DAP Grant for this project. EDF provided the local community knowledge required to ensure the successful delivery of this project.

Australian Honorary Consul to Namibia
Australian Honorary Consul to Namibia assisted with the launch of the project by increasing the awareness of the project amongst the people of Namibian and Australia’s support for Namibia. This created a positive image of Australia within Namibia.

The total budget for the project was AUD$46,000.

Candidates at the launch of the project.

OUTCOMES TO DATE

Selected candidates commenced studies for their diplomas in March 2012 and successfully completed their first year in December 2012. As the trade diploma is a four year programme, Bannerman Resources is committed to supporting the candidates until they have graduated with their trade diplomas.

Young disadvantaged Namibians have received the opportunity to change their future living conditions. This will further positively impact the lives of their families as the candidates become gainfully employed because of the improved employment opportunities resulting from the additional training.

Partnerships formed through this project have contributed to strengthening ties between Australia and Namibia (particularly in the mining sector) as well as the established partnership between the Erongo Development Foundation and Bannerman Resources.

CONCLUSION

This project initiated by Bannerman demonstrates the importance of achieving sustainable change through strategic partnerships where all partners benefit.

For further information regarding this project please contact Bannerman Resources