In a move to promote inclusive, equitable and quality education, Nedbank Namibia donated classroom furniture and educational apparatus to NeuroNexus Academy, a specialist school in Windhoek dedicated to educating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
In a statement, Nedbank highlighted the significance of the donation as recent reports have indicated a lack of specialised schools in the country which has left hundreds of learners on waiting lists. These learning environments differ significantly from mainstream classrooms, often requiring much smaller teacher-to-learner ratios because of the required support. The Nedbank donation is valued at N$34,000.
NeuroNexus Academy opened in January last year to address a critical gap in the education landscape by catering exclusively for children with ASD. The school emphasises early intervention and individualised education planning, noting that while ASD is not curable, it is treatable. The Nedbank donation is valued at N$34,000.
The NeuroNexus team with Nedbank Namibia Head of Marketing and Communications, Gernot de Klerk (standing fourth from left), at the school’s premises in Windhoek.
Founder of NeuroNexus Academy, Elsje Fowler said the goal is to create a supportive environment where children can develop social skills, communication skills and fine and gross motor skills.
“NeuroNexus is a progressive school that respects each child and views them as individuals who deserve the best chance to fulfil their potential, be happy, feel safe, and be valued. We aim to create a supportive environment where children can develop key life and social skills, communication skills, and fine and gross motor skills,” she said.
“We want to create opportunities for children to pursue their interest and passions, and to be gently and safely challenged to expand their skills and academic abilities, where possible. As a school, we aim to be a centre of information and education on autism and neurodivergent conditions, and to promote inclusivity and understanding of these individuals in our society,” she added.
Nedbank Namibia Chief Financial Officer Victor Maengahama said the bank remains committed to addressing the real barriers families face in accessing quality education. “Quality education is only meaningful when learning environments are designed around the needs of each child,” he said.