An 18-year-old boy from Otjinene is a step closer to realising his dream of studying medicine thanks to Otjiherero Radio Service programme ‘Ketuute’ raising N.dollars 25 000 to help fund his studies.
With six days to go before his registration at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) School of Medicine, Uapimbisa Tjambiru – whose mother is unemployed and father, a taxi driver – had the odds stacked against him, with no one able to pay his N.dollars 2 000 registration fee.
His fortunes, however, changed for the better when Nandoo Katjomuise, an employee at a local bank, heard about his predicament.
She tipped off ‘Ketuute’ presenter, Uzeraije Tjazerua, who spoke about Tjambiru’s dilemma on the show, to which the public responded positively.
As things stand, a combined N.dollars 25 000 has been raised to cater for Tjambiru’s registration fee, tuition fees and accommodation.
Speaking to Nampa on Thursday, the young man could not contain his joy.
He said when he found out he had passed, a hurtful thought crossed his mind as he thought “What do I do next? Who do I go to?”
“I knew how expensive university is. My parents are uneducated and unemployed, so I knew that going to them was not an option. I thought this was the end for me,” Tjambiru said.
He said he prayed a lot.
“God is answering now. I am grateful to all those helping me. You have sacrificed your budgets just to help me. I thank you all,” he said.
Tjambiru is a former learner of Gustav Kandjii Secondary School in Otjinene.
He obtained 39 points in last year’s examinations and plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy at UNAM.
Approached by Nampa, Tjazerua said it is painful to hear that a learner has performed so well and yet, because of money, cannot study further.
“However, the public heard this genuine call and took full ownership of it,” he said.
Sharing similar sentiments, the station’s manager Marina Matundu highlighted the role of radio stations in advancing community interests.
“If the community is in need, we as a radio station shall carry stories that will help them,” she said.