Namibian seeks financial help to attend university
Funding woes hamper education dreams
Namibian advocate for the hearing impaired, Samuel Immanuel, has been accepted to a prestigious US university for the deaf and hard of hearing but requires financial support to attend.
Despite significant financial challenges, Samuel Immanuel remains focused on his goal of bringing positive change for the deaf community in Namibia.
Immanuel, a former member of the Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), has been an active advocate for the rights of people living with hearing impairments in the country since 2015.
His acceptance to the prestigious Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, in the United States, a university for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing, marked an important milestone for Immanuel in his journey as an advocate.
The university, a leading institution for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing, according to its website, "prepares outstanding individuals for a life of meaning, purpose, and professional success."
Support education dream
However, Immanuel acknowledged that his biggest hurdle remains financial support.
'Since 2022, I have been unsuccessful in obtaining financial support from government institutions, companies, or organisations. Funding to continue my studies has been a major challenge since my father passed away, and my mother is unemployed," he said.
He previously applied for a World Deaf Leadership (WDL) scholarship but was unsuccessful.
In a show of solidarity, the directorate for disability affairs in the Presidency has thrown their support behind him and called on local entities to support Immanuel.
In an official letter, deputy minister of disability affairs, Alexia Manombe-Ncube, requested that he be given the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the Namibian nation.
"It is our hope that you will favourably consider our request to address the issue of disability from the perspective of basic human rights, in an effort to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens as required by our constitution and in the spirit of Harambee," Manombe-Ncube wrote.
Advocacy work
Although Samuel is currently unemployed, he remains hopeful.
Due to his lack of finances, he is also unable to become a member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), something essential to give him access to resources, training and global support, which would significantly boost his efforts as an advocate for the deaf in Namibia.
The university requires all international students to prove that they have sufficient funds available to cover at least one academic year of tuition, accommodation, books and medical insurance, amounting to approximately N$850 000.
In an official letter to Samuel, the university acknowledged that it is "very limited in its funding opportunities for international students."
Job opportunities for international students are also strictly regulated by US citizenship and immigration services.
The university has given Immanuel the option to defer his admission until he secures sufficient financial support.
'I am determined to continue fighting for the rights of individuals with hearing impairments. I remain committed to making a difference in my community,' he said resolutely.
For more information, the directorate or Immanuel can be contacted at [email protected].
Immanuel, a former member of the Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), has been an active advocate for the rights of people living with hearing impairments in the country since 2015.
His acceptance to the prestigious Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, in the United States, a university for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing, marked an important milestone for Immanuel in his journey as an advocate.
The university, a leading institution for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing, according to its website, "prepares outstanding individuals for a life of meaning, purpose, and professional success."
Support education dream
However, Immanuel acknowledged that his biggest hurdle remains financial support.
'Since 2022, I have been unsuccessful in obtaining financial support from government institutions, companies, or organisations. Funding to continue my studies has been a major challenge since my father passed away, and my mother is unemployed," he said.
He previously applied for a World Deaf Leadership (WDL) scholarship but was unsuccessful.
In a show of solidarity, the directorate for disability affairs in the Presidency has thrown their support behind him and called on local entities to support Immanuel.
In an official letter, deputy minister of disability affairs, Alexia Manombe-Ncube, requested that he be given the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the Namibian nation.
"It is our hope that you will favourably consider our request to address the issue of disability from the perspective of basic human rights, in an effort to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens as required by our constitution and in the spirit of Harambee," Manombe-Ncube wrote.
Advocacy work
Although Samuel is currently unemployed, he remains hopeful.
Due to his lack of finances, he is also unable to become a member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), something essential to give him access to resources, training and global support, which would significantly boost his efforts as an advocate for the deaf in Namibia.
The university requires all international students to prove that they have sufficient funds available to cover at least one academic year of tuition, accommodation, books and medical insurance, amounting to approximately N$850 000.
In an official letter to Samuel, the university acknowledged that it is "very limited in its funding opportunities for international students."
Job opportunities for international students are also strictly regulated by US citizenship and immigration services.
The university has given Immanuel the option to defer his admission until he secures sufficient financial support.
'I am determined to continue fighting for the rights of individuals with hearing impairments. I remain committed to making a difference in my community,' he said resolutely.
For more information, the directorate or Immanuel can be contacted at [email protected].
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article