2019

The Rössing The Rössing Foundation Foundation

www.rossingfoundation.com The Rössing Foundation Contents

Contents 02 -03 08 -09 05 -07 24 -28 10 -23 29 01 ii by theRössing Foundation. How thecommunityofArandis was supported Community SupportProgrammes part oftheRössing Foundation’s activities. Enterprise development forms animportant Enterprise Development Programmes Learners’ SupportProgrammes Information onTeachers’ and Education Development Programmes ing 2019was avisittotheStateHouse. A highlightfor theRössing Foundation dur- Visit totheStateHouse tion anditsfocus areas ofactivity. More information abouttheFounda- About theRössing Foundation achievements oftheRössing Foundation. A messagefrom JobTjihoonoverall Executive Director’s Message the Acting Chairperson. A messagefrom MsClara Bohitile, Acting Chairperson’sMessage practices for theirCSIactivities. organisations canfollow whenlookingatbest outstanding example thatcompaniesand Uranium andtheRössing Foundation isan The partnershipbetween CNNCRössing relationship thatbenefitbothparties. an interdependence andbeautifulsymbiotic involvement toimprove theirlivelihoods. It’s programmes, socommunitiesseektheir social licencetooperate through theirCSI be underestimated. Ascorporates seek social investment (CSI) activitiescannot supporting communitiesthrough corporate The role thatcorporate businessesplayin Welcome toallour stakeholders. Annual Report 2019 Chairperson Acting

Message 01 — areal difference inthelives ofNamibians. Foundation hasmade—andcontinuetomake and we are humblethatinoursmallway, the solid reputation as awell-managed CSIvehicle The Rössing Foundation hasestablisheda 2019. enterprise development andcommunitiesduring ongoing activitiesinsupportingeducation, and beneficiariesaclear overview ofour The 2019AnnualReport gives ourbenefactors partners. with CNNCRössing Uranium andourmany what we have achieved thusfar incollaboration Board ofTrustees. We are extremely proud of Acting ChairpersonoftheRössing Foundation’s It istherefore withpridethatIserve asthe the Board ofTrustees Acting Chairpersonof Ms Clara Bohitile The Rössing Foundation Message Director’s Executive

Message including thepublicsector, were strained bythe We are aware thatallsectorsinNamibia, Namibian communities. services theRössing Foundation hasrendered to entire nation,ourpartnersandbenefactors the In the2019AnnualReport we are sharingwiththe Rössing Uranium mineinNamibia. Fulfilling theaspirations ofthepioneersand 02 Executive Director Job Tjiho companies, organisations andindividuals nation istohave strategic partnershipswith long-lasting impactinthe development ofa We believe thatthebestway tohave a needy schoolsinthatregion. Foundation was abletosupportoneofthe of Kavango West EducationDirectorate, the as well assmartthinkingfrom theDirector However, with little available in-houseresources, Millimetre Telescope initiative. outreach programme aspartoftheAfrica agriculture andtheroll-out oftheastronomy to small-andmedium-scaleenterprises, of theeconomy. Further supportwas provided workforce andassistingwiththediversification secondary education,thedevelopment ofthe by contributingtoimproved primaryand Government oftheRepublic ofNamibia continued itscommitmenttoassistingthe difficult to overcome, the Rössing Foundation As muchasthefinancialchallenges were schools inthedifferent regions ofNamibia. Foundation thatdrive andguidethesupportto financially honourthememoranda with Rössing Education Direc­ responsibility commitments.Thedifferent and couldbarely honourtheircorporate social benefactors experienced financialchallenges of theRössing Foundation, asmany ofthe woes alsoaffectedthebroader operations economic downturn during2019.Theeconomic Annual Report 2019 torates were notableto 03 realising theirdreams. opportunities toimprove theirlivelihood in Namibians whootherwise would nothave had Rössing Foundation insupporting themany possible benefactors andpartnerstojointhe that we mighthave missed. We alsoinvite all activities, aswell asrecommendations inareas As always, we welcome your feedback onour the MobileLaboratory. out torural communitiesandschoolsthrough made itpossiblefor theFoundation toreach UNICEF, USEmbassyandTotal Namibiawho 2000, SocialSecurityCommission,PeaceCorps, Education, ArtsandCulture, Nedbank,Tyre Furthermore, we wishtothanktheMinistryof support. continually providing financial andinstitutional established theRössing Foundation andto not beenpoured toRössing Uranium who if recognition andagreat thankyou have and managementwillfail intheirduties The Rössing Foundation Board ofTrustees carry outitsmandate. Uranium mine,stillsupportedtheFoundation to Nuclear Corporation Limited(CNNC)Rössing Nedbank, Tyre 2000andtheChinaNational strained many corporates, somesuchas development initiatives. Althoughtheeconomy who otherwisewould have beenleftoutof communities, especiallythemostdisadvantaged dedicated andseriouscommittedtoserve our ABOUT THE RÖSSING FOUNDATION

The first Chairman of Rössing Uranium mine, Mr Ronald (Ronnie) Walker clearly stated that the A group of teachers, parents and other community members during the training of School common loyalty and purpose, without which no nation Boards of the Hardap Education Directorate, Hardap Region. can survive, depends on having something worthwhile to defend, such as a decent standard of living and individual freedom to enjoy it. He further stated that the one thing a corporate can do for a country is to The Foundation focuses mainly on programmes provide education to the people of that country. and projects which are aligned to the four mandates below: Historically, many employees for them, particularly in rural of Rössing Uranium mine came communities. Education Education Beneficiation Livelihood and Enterprise General Directives from as far as hundreds of Development kilometres away, from all corners It was against that philosophy To further the education To encourage the To promote the To do any act or thing, of Namibia, and were housed in that Mr Walker and the Board of Namibians in order to creation and/or to create advancement of the which in the opinion of Arandis, a town that was built for of Rössing Uranium esta­blished achieve greater national opportunities for people living standards of the the Trustees shall benefit workers in 1976. a Trust known as the Rössing productivity and to to use their education. people in Namibia. Namibia or any or all of enhance lifelong learning. its inhabitants. Foundation. This situation led Rössing to establish an entity that would The Rössing Foundation was In order to align programmes and projects to these mandates, the Rössing Foundation directs its efforts mainly serve communities from areas established in 1978 through to the following: where the miners hailed from. a Deed of Trust to serve as • the improvement of primary and secondary education through the implementation of centre-based and The entity was to provide greater a vehicle for overseeing and national outreach teacher and learner capacity support programmes; educational opportunities for implementing Rössing Uranium’s • the development of the local workforce and of specialised vocational skills through the provision of Namibians in order to impart corporate social responsibility scholar­ships, apprenticeship and part-time study opportunities; and practical skills that would create activities in Namibia. • the diversification and strengthening of the local economy through support to small- and medium-scale better economic opportunities enterprises and agriculture.

The Rössing Foundation 04 Annual Report 2019 05 SOCIAL learners who, due to poverty and INNOVATION Environmental Sustainability Food Production and TRANSFORMATION long distances, could not benefit AND ENTERPRISE Employment Opportunities THROUGH from the state-of-the-art English DEVELOPMENT Support to Okombahe The Rössing Foundation, in EDUCATION language, Mathematics and Community partnership with the Social Science Centres in Erongo and Support to Small- and The Okombahe Community Security Commission, has been Centre-Based Support Oshana Regions. Medium Enterprises (SME) Debushing Enterprise (OCDE) is supporting two agricultural “An invest- The Rössing Foundation continues in Erongo Region a community-based organisation enterprises in Oshikuku and to strengthen the capacity of To answer this need, a Mobile The Rössing Foundation, in that was established with the Ogongo in the Omusati Region. ment in teachers and learners through Laboratory support programme partnership with the Erongo purpose of harvesting Prosopis knowledge support to Namibian schools in was introduced to support rural Development Foundation, trees in the Omaruru River The Oshikuku enterprise is run identified challenging subject schools in Namibia. continued to provide collateral basin for wood and fodder by women, striving to achieve pays the best areas such as the English funding, business development for environmental, social and success with producing and selling language, Mathematics and the In addition, a new outreach services and marketing linkage economic gain. produce to the local market, while interest.” Sciences at its Education Centres activity was initiated to introduce to the SME sector in Erongo the Ogongo project is currently in located in Arandis, Swakopmund the National Planetarium Region. The support is provided The enterprise has two primary its infant stage. Benjamin Franklin, one (Tamariskia suburb) and Programme that deals with through the constituency offices goals: to eradicate the invasive of the eight Founding Ondangwa. astronomy under the Africa of the seven constituencies of the Prosopis tree species from Fathers of the United Millimetre Telescope programme Erongo Region. the river basin in the Dâures States National Outreach to schools in Namibia. The Constituency, Erongo Region, and Programme programme will eventually unlock In addition, the Foundation is in doing so, serving as a source The Rössing Foundation has learners’ better understanding of still supporting the Ûiba-Ôas of income to the Okombahe recognised that in order to fulfil the universe. Crystals Market at the t-junction community. the mandate and the aspirations off the B2 Road to Spitzkoppe, of Rössing Uranium according to The role of the Rössing between Arandis and Usakos. To The enterprise has been the original philosophy expressed Foundation in this international that end, improved solar power supported by the Rössing by Mr Walker, the best action undertaking is to roll out the provision has been realised. The Foundation with funding from to take was to broaden the outreach programme component small-scale miners are now able Namibia’s Social Security educational support footprint in of the Africa Millimetre Telescope to have sufficient lighting at the Commission. Namibia. Therefore, the National programme to many schools in market and are able to cut and Outreach Programme was Namibia. polish the semi-precious stones for established to reach out to those value-addition purposes.

“A big business starts small.” Richard Branson, entrepreneur and adventurer, head of the Virgin Group

The Rössing Foundation 06 Annual Report 2019 07 HIGHLIGHT: VISIT TO STATE HOUSE

The Rössing Foundation has been implementing local authority support, small-scale mining and small- in supporting Government programmes, as well as The event was covered extensively by both electronic programmes and projects in partnership with the and medium enterprises. to sensitise State House on the possible impact of and print media, attesting to the success of the visit. Government of the Republic of Namibia since Rössing Uranium’s sale to China National Nuclear independence. Therefore, in 2019, the Rössing Foundation Board Corporation (CNNC). The President further engaged the former Chairman of Trustees, with the support from the Department: of the Rössing Foundation, Hon. Asser Kapere, The partnership approach is based on the Deed Partnership, Communication and External Affairs of The reaction of the team of State House officials after the courtesy visit and reiterated to him that of Trust that directs the Rössing Foundation Board Rössing Uranium mine, paid a courtesy visit to His that attended the briefing with the President was: Rössing Foundation remains a core partner with of Trustees to seek partnership and funding from Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, the President of the “We knew that the Rössing Foundation has been the Government of Namibia in the development of private and public sectors, including national and Republic of Namibia. working with communities in Namibia, but what we Namibians. international donors to broaden its mandate in did not know is the extent of its work and impact.” improving quality of life of Namibians through The objective of the visit was to sensitise State capacity strengthening in education, agriculture, House on the role the Rössing Foundation plays

The Rössing Foundation 08 Annual Report 2019 09 In 2019, the Rössing Foundation Education Development Programme focused on the furtherance Education of education to Namibians in order to achieve greater national productivity Development and to enhance lifelong learning through capacity strengthening of teachers Programmes and learners. The support was geared towards improving capacity of teachers so that

the efforts and newly acquired knowledge and skills remained at schools and in the regions. Once this has been achieved, schools will experience improved teaching and better end-of-the-year examination results.

Centre-based Education Programme

Learners of the Usakos Secondary School during holiday classes.

Learners performing Teacher Support Programme: Number of teachers supported through the centre-based programmes experiments in the Science Laboratory Natural at the Tamariskia Centre. Biology Science Mathe- Physics & Library Teacher Support Programme Subject English & Life & Health matics Chemistry Services Science Educa- The Rössing Foundation regards Overall, the three Rössing Foun­ to benefit learners. Furthermore, tion support for teachers to be vital, dation Centres supported 498 it is quite satisfactory that for the Annual target 50 50 50 50 50 50 as a single, well-equipped teacher teachers during 2019. This is first time support to the English Arandis 4 3 30 8 8 17 is able to benefit a minimum of the highest number of teachers teachers have increased at all Ondangwa 153 37 51 4 1 105 30 learners. The teacher support to have been supported at the centres, but more so at the programmes are either conducted the centre level. The support Ondangwa Centre, a good sign Tamariskia 12 26 16 5 5 13 at centres or through the mobile is significant, as it strengthens since the English language has Total 169 66 97 17 14 135 unit on school visits to rural areas knowledge and skills of teachers been found to be a challenge as part of Rössing Foundation’s and it enables them to provide in some schools in the northern National Outreach Programme. needed quality edu­cation delivery regions of the country.

The Rössing Foundation 10 Annual Report 2019 11 Learner Support Programme

The Rössing Foundation’s three programmes offered at the three education centres remain popular Rössing Foundation Centres. among learners. In addition It should be noted that some to on-going support provided learners attended classes on a to learners from different regular basis throughout the schools in the English language, year, while others attended Mathematics and the Sciences, sporadically and according to many learners flocked to all specific needs. the centres the last few months of the year for examination On Junior Secondary level, 3,082 preparations. learners acquired new knowledge and skills in the English language The focus of the Rössing Foun­ at all the centres. dation support to the Junior Primary level was to strengthen The centres received fewer Grade the reading competencies of the 8 learners compared with other learners in Arandis, Ondangwa grades. This is an indication of and Tamariskia. In total, 335 learners adjusting to difficult Junior Primary learners were content as the subjects are supported through literacy and becoming more challenging. numeracy programmes and they improved reading and numerical A total of 9,896 learners on competencies. In addition, 107 Senior Secondary level benefitted Learners at the Tamariskia Centre, participating in the Master Maths class. Pre-primary learners benefitted from the Rössing Foundation from the reading programme in English, Mathematics and Science Arandis. programmes at the Arandis, Ondangwa and Tamariskia On Senior Primary level, 6,868 Centres in 2019, surpassing the learners benefitted from the targeted number of learners.

The Rössing Foundation 12 Annual Report 2019 13 August 2019 School Holiday Support The table below shows the number of learners supported in 2019. Programme

A total of 598 learners from Senior Primary Learner Statistics different regions in Namibia Natural Science and Subject English Mathematics attended the August 2019 school Health Education holiday classes at the Rössing Grades 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 Foundation Centres. These Annual Target 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 learners came from Kunene and Arandis 186 83 125 29 613 639 488 381 230 31 390 261 Kavango West regions, some Ondangwa 12 63 70 48 124 113 187 165 15 32 63 141 from schools in and around the Tamariskia 55 33 105 26 2 489 454 414 142 133 360 166 Ondangwa Centre, while the Total 253 179 300 103 739 1241 1129 960 387 196 813 568 rest came from Khomas Region. In addition, local schools in Junior Secondary Learners Statistics Swakopmund also benefitted Physical Physics & Subject English Mathematics Life Science Science Chemistry from the holiday classes at the Grades 8 9 8 9 8 9 8 9 8 9 Tamariskia Centre. Leaners from Annual Target 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 No. of the Westside Arandis 65 92 297 183 187 145 3 5 159 146 Holiday support classes: Schools and Region Grade Learners High School in Ondangwa 0 143 78 111 152 205 0 0 0 155 Bunya Secondary, Kavango West 39 12 Swakopmund Tamariskia 28 11 543 283 33 27 4 6 12 9 Oshana schools 174 7, 8 and 12 Total 93 246 918 577 372 377 7 11 171 310 attending holiday Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati, Kavango East, 345 10, 11 and 12 classes at the Khomas, Otjozondjupa and Karas regional schools Tamariskia Centre. Senior Secondary Learner Statistics Schools in and around Swakopmund 40 10 and 12 Total Number of Beneficiaries during the August 2019 Subject English Mathematics 598 7-12 holiday classes Grades 10 11 12 12* 10 11 12 12* Target 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 Three schools, namely Westside Centre, had an opportunity to and astronomy by two Chinese Arandis 6 141 506 4 172 196 275 0 High School, Okakarara visit the Telemetry Tracking and astronauts, Liu Yang and Chen Ondangwa 97 237 1030 127 86 5 524 94 Secondary School and Okanguati Command Station on the outskirts Dong. Liu Yang is China’s first Tamariskia 104 199 776 38 302 298 625 81 Combined School who attended of Swakopmund where they were female astronaut to venture into Total 207 577 2312 169 560 499 1424 175 holiday classes at the Tamariskia introduced to space technology space. * = Grade 12 High Level

Senior Secondary Learner Statistics Subject Physics/Chemistry Biology Grades 10 11 12 12* 10 11 12 12* Target 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 Arandis 434 66 122 0 127 295 223 1 Ondangwa 62 20 557 148 66 73 577 112 Tamariskia 95 90 427 0 105 87 286 0 Total 591 176 1106 148 298 455 1086 113

The first female Chinese astronaut, Liu Yang, flanked by Natumutange Uusiku held by his father, Lysias Uusiku of the Rössing Foundation.

The Rössing Foundation 14 Annual Report 2019 15 LEARNING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT

In December 2019, 20 Grade The excursion took place during and promoted a symbiotic • Exploring sustainable energy Issues of environmental impact 10 learners from the Kahenge the December holiday period relationship between people and • Exploring environmental assessment were topical in all of Combined School in the Kavango and the learners showed great the environment. The general problems and solutions the activities. There were both West Region went on a week- appreciation for the activity. Due philosophy of NaDEET was that • Measuring their indoor and outdoor activities, long excursion to the Namib to the long distance, the group the learners had to take part environmental footprint which enriched the learners. There Desert Environmental Education had to overnight in Windhoek, and do things for themselves, as • Waste management and were also simulations of real Trust (NaDEET). It is a vibrant and as it was the first time nothing was done for them. This recycling life day-to-day human activities environmental education site the learners visited the capital ranged from meal preparation • Conservation of the giraffe and real life governmental/ located in the Namib Desert. city of Namibia, it offered of a variety of dishes, cleanliness • Exploring biodiversity (the institutional activities that them a valuable opportunity and time management. The Dune Walk) prepared the learners for an The tour was a culmination of the to familiarise themselves with learners had to maintain a • Family lifestyle-solar cooking environmentally conscious life at combined efforts of the Rössing Windhoek and other towns along journal of the activities for the • Environmental games home and later in life as decision Uranium Mine, the Rössing the way. duration of the tour. The activities • The dark sky reserve makers. Foundation and the Kavango were varied and included the • Development decision (time/ West Education Directorate The activities were enriching to following: climate change), and through Kahenge Combined both the adult and young adult • Shopping in an • Having fun with dune School. participants. They encouraged environmentally conscious boarding. environmental awareness way

The Rössing Foundation 16 Annual Report 2019 17 Library Services

The main purpose of the Rössing 765 became library members. Foundation’s libraries is to ensure The library was also used by 400 that learners, teachers and other teachers, while a total of 13,120 community members have access general community members “Today a reader. to information through print and benefitted from the library. electronic media. Tomorrow a leader.” In terms of book usage, 2,836 Margaret Füller In total, 36,475 learners used the books were borrowed. (1810-1850), American library services during 2019 and journalist, editor, critic, translator, and women’s rights advocate

Books Learners Teachers Others Circulation

Visits Membership Visits Assignments Projects 2019 Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Target Target Target Target Target (annual) Returned Borrowed Arandis 5,000 7,939 300 156 50 33 1,000 3,938 300 1,172 677 398 Ondangwa 6,500 11,800 300 209 500 322 5,000 3,714 300 69 1,465 859 Tamariskia 5,500 16,736 300 397 50 45 1,000 5,468 300 2,020 964 763 Total 17,000 36,475 900 765 600 400 7,000 13,120 900 3,261 2,836 2,020

The Rössing Foundation libraries benefitted the teachers, learners and community members by providing access to books and electronic media.

The Rössing Foundation 18 Annual Report 2019 19 National (Left) Group work in progress during Training of School Board Trainers of Kunene Education Directorate in 2019. (Right) Mr Fillemon Nangolo, representing the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, during the Training of Trainers in Outreach Kunene, in discussion with Mr Beans Ngatjizeko, one of the Master Trainers. Programme SCHOOL GOVER­NANCE PROGRAMME

Social Accountability and School Governance Programme During 2019, the Rössing Foundation National Outreach Programme support Dr Aune Victor to the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture was reduced to one region, Education Specialist, namely the Kavango West Education Directorate, more specifically to the UNICEF “UNICEF has been collaborating with the Rössing Foundation since Kahenge Combined Secondary School. 2011 to support the implementation of the Social Accountability and School Governance Programme (SASG) in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC). The programme is being implemented The specific support to Kahenge that the school can benefit much additional visit was sponsored within the framework of MoEAC to strengthen the performance and Combined school was the result by focused support in ensuring by the Rössing Foundation and standard indicators and to ensure meaningful parental and community of an earlier intervention during effective teaching and learning a total of 23 teachers and 992 involvement in the education of their children through the motto: June 2019 when it was discovered is taking place. Therefore, an learners were supported. “Education is a shared responsibility”.

To date, Rössing Foundation has trained School Board Members Learners and Teachers Supported during the Mobile Outreach Programme to have an informed understanding of their respective roles and Biology/Life science responsibilities for effective school governance training which also Mathe- Physical Focus Groups Grades English & Natural Science & Total included understanding the importance of data for better planning and matics Science Health Education budgeting, resource mobilisation, addressing issues related to school 4-7 168 134 35 35 372 Learners health and safety, children with special needs and disabilities, as well 8-10 202 112 71 235 620 as improving learning through physical education and school sports. 4-7 7 2 1 1 11 Teachers 8-10 6 2 2 2 12 Both UNICEF and the Ministry of Education continue to value Total Learners 246 106 270 992 1,614 partnership with Rössing Foundation, especially through the ongoing Total Teachers 4 3 3 23 33 professional support from Mr Job Tjiho, Fillemon Vatillifa and Edmund Swartz.” Dr Aune Victor, Education Specialist

The Rössing Foundation 20 Annual Report 2019 21 TRAINING OF MASTER TRAINERS A training of the Master Trainers of School Boards was conducted in September 2019 in Windhoek.

The objective of the training was to enable the Master Trainers to use the Social Accountability and School Governance Tools to empower School Board Trainers to be able to capacitate school boards in their regions, circuits and schools. Piloting The Master Trainers the Mobile included three consultants and three Rössing Planetarium Foundation staff com­ prising of the Executive of the Africa Director, Chief Education Officer and Coordinator Millimetre of the Outreach Learners of the Mokganedi Thlabanelo Senior Secondary School participated in the piloting of the Mobile Planetarium. Programmes. Two Group work in progress during Training of Telescope School Board Trainers of Kunene Education UNICEF and one ‘Star Directorate in 2019. for Life’ staff members The Educational Outreach Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, given the opportunity to test the The Rössing Foundation has also attended the training programme aims to expose Geography and Biology. Mobile Planetarium in April 2019. been selected as a partner with in an observation and support capacity. During the training, all presen­ and educate teachers and Radboud University and NOVA, tations for the Training of Trainers were prepared and trial runs were learners from many schools Cooperation with both Learners and students who both from the Netherlands, conducted to ensure that no grey areas were left unattended to. in Namibia by means of a universities in Namibia will participated overall were drawn and the University of Namibia mobile planetarium, developing help to create local staff from UNAM (250 students), while in the implementation of the and offering associated capacity for the future of the 125 learners from Windhoek High Mobile Planetarium of the Africa TRAINING OF SCHOOL BOARD curricula and teachers training. overarching Africa Millimetre School, 500 from Mokganedi Millimetre Telescope Outreach MASTER TRAINERS Given the size of Namibia and Telescope (AMT) project. The Thlabanelo Senior School at programme. The School Board training for the Kunene Directorate of Education the widely-spread population Mobile Planetarium was piloted Drimiopsis, including a primary was conducted in October 2019 in Khorixas. In the Oshana Region, the in the country, this may at the Mokganedi Thlabanelo school and kindergartens and The roll-out of the project will training for the two Oshana School Boards groups were conducted in require approximately four to Senior Secondary School in the 722 learners from Kahenge commence in September 2020 November 2019 in Oshakati and Ondangwa respectively. five years to roll out the full Omaheke Region, and at the Combined School participated, and will form part of the Rössing programme. Kahenge Combined School in while additional learners from Foundation National Outreach The objective of the training was to capacitate the Regional School the Kavango West Region. It will the following schools were also programme. The project will run Board Trainers to enable them to roll out the training of the School The mobile planetarium in assist teachers and learners to exposed to the facility: over five years with the vision of Boards in their clusters. It also aimed for School Boards to have a Namibia offers unique oppor­ explore astronomy (planets and • Kanuni Combined Schools covering many of the schools in better understanding of their roles and responsibilities to use the social tunities for education, as it stars), thereby making abstract • Himalwa Iithete Senior Namibia. accountability tools and model systems, to monitor school performance will help the learners to gain concepts more concrete and, in School and inform a better understanding of the doing so, encouraging learners • Namavambi Primary School universe. to pursue scientific careers at • Kandjimi Murangi Senior Attendance of participants of the Training-of- education sector Trainers in Kunene and Oshana Regions monitoring at tertiary institutions. School Region Date Participants Total local, regional The planetarium can also • Simanya Combined School F M and national be used for a wide range of In total, 1,588 learners from • Tondoro Combined School, Kunene 07 – 11.10.2019 12 28 40 level. school subjects, as programmes different schools in Namibia, and Oshana 04 – 15.11.2019 26 37 63 and lessons will be developed including students from the • Nkurenkuru Combined Total 38 65 103 for science subjects such as University of Namibia, were School.

The Rössing Foundation 22 Annual Report 2019 23 Enterprise Development Programme

One of the important parts of the Rössing Foundation’s activities is the diversification and strengthening of the local economy through providing support to small- and medium-scale enterprises.

Support to Arandis-based The Rössing Foundation in Dreamland Garden Enterprise collaboration with COSDEC on Training Entrepreneurs Rössing Foundation continued to work with the Dreamland Garden members to improve the day- The aim was to empower women with job to-day operations of the community garden. The applications and interviews skills. Several Arandis- enterprise is now flourishing as water becomes based SMEs were trained in the following activities reliable and the project members continue to sell at the Community Skills Development Centre their produce to local shops and individuals in (COSDEC) in Swakopmund: Arandis. However, the sustainable water supply • SME Basic Small Business Development: needs to be formalised and the team is busy with 13 Arandis SMEs attended, and engagement of the Arandis Town Council in this • Empowering Erongo Young Women Project: Job- regard. ready workshop for eight participants.

Visitors to the Dreamland Garden project in Arandis.

The Rössing Foundation 24 Annual Report 2019 25 Study Tours for the Okombahe Enterprise Machineries Operation members Oshikuku Project and Safety Procedures for

Farm Langbeen, a private farm outside the Okombahe Debushing The Rössing Foundation supported the establishment of the Oshikuku Dordabis Enterprise green schemes enterprise in Omusati Region. The purpose of the Production benefits: Green Schemes enterprise is to create employment opportunities, Production of Nine members of the Okombahe Debushing reduce poverty and vulnerability among small scale farmers through fodder from Enterprise were trained by Rössing sustainable agricultural initiatives. The planting and transplanting of bush as Foundation and Rössing Uranium mine’s seedlings continued throughout the year, with an additional 200m2 plot animal feed Health and Safety Department in how to and general safely operate a chipper, hammer mill and production of chain saws. After the practical training and pellets. demonstration, participants were able to Learning of maize completed. The operate the equipment and apply safety outcomes: Harvesting procedures. ten project members harvested bush to feeding cattle as a business to assist the first produce and sold it to farmers. the community in the town of Oshikuku and the surrounding Vergenoeg Project east of Gobabis, a villages. community-based project Production benefits: Wood harvesting, (Above) Mr Namboga, the owner of a vegetable garden, sharing his practical processing and experience and gardening techniques with the Oshikuku project members. packing. (Far right) A project member from Oshikuku vegetable garden selling spinach at the local cuca shops. Learning outcomes: Possible business Support to Okombahe Debushing Project for the Okombahe The new trainees commenced with wood production, Through funding secured from The enterprise has two primary organised a study visit to enterprise fodder, poles and fencing poles (droppers) in the Social Security Commission goals: to eradicate the invasive Omaheke and Otjozondjupa as an income- Okombahe and the target is to produce 40 bags of Development Fund, the Rössing Prosopis tree species from the Regions for the enterprise generating activity to Foundation has been supporting Omaruru river basin in the beneficiaries. Four project members and community. chipped materials per day for the first three months. the Okombahe Community Dâures Constituency, Erongo representatives participated and A sample of pure Prosopis tree fibre was taken to De-bushing Enterprise (OCDE). Region, and in doing so, serve were exposed to various bush Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry’s The OCDE is a community- as a source of income to the value chain activities at four Production benefits: CCF is a conservation laboratory for nutritional analysis and the laboratory based organisation that was Okombahe community. different operations. organisation located outside Otjiwarongo, results revealed that the Prosopis fibre is rich in crude and is also involved in established with the goal of protein and other important basic nutrients, although wood processing harvesting Prosopis trees in During 2019, the Rössing poor in metabolised energy. The requirement for using modern Omaruru River basin for woods Foundation and the Erongo crude protein for maintenance technologies. and fodder for environmental, Regional Council (Dâures of cattle condition is 8 per Learning social and economic gain. Constituency Office) cent while the Okombahe outcomes: Prosopis has 10-13 per Possible cent. However, the rate The official launch of the Okombahe Community Debushing Enterprise future business can be improved by was held in November 2019. (From left) Honourable Clara Bohitile, Acting consideration Chairperson of the Rössing Foundation Board of Trustees; Honourable adding molasses into Governor of Erongo Region, Cleophas Mutjavikua; Ms Milka Mungunda, for the Okombahe Executive Officer of Social Security Commission and Li Youliang, Vice enterprise as an the fibre and the farmers President of China National Uranium Corporation (CNUC). income-generating activity to members and can feed their animals, community. especially during drought.

The Rössing Foundation 26 Annual Report 2019 27 Ûiba-Ôas Crystal Market Community Support

The Foundation, in collaboration with the Ûiba-Ôas Cooperative, continued its support to the Ûiba-Ôas Crystal Programme Market at the t-junction off the B2 Road to Spitzkoppe and during 2019, improved solar power provision has been realised. Teams from both the Foundation and the Ûiba-Ôas Cooperative have worked together to establish an improved electrical power supply to the small-miner settlement. To this end, the Embassy of the United States provided funds to purchase a solar power supply system. The installation of new solar power has been completed and is operational. The small-scale miners are now able to have sufficient lighting at the market and to cut and polish the semi-precious stones for value-addition purposes.

Furthermore, the Cooperative has worked with a Namibian architect to develop a multi-purpose community centre that will house a kindergarten and serve as a venue for cultural events and community gatherings.

In addition, the Ûiba-Ôas Cooperative, supported by the Rössing Foundation, continued to investigate feasible options to bring water supply to the market, which is crucial to the further development of the community. Architectural drawing of the envisaged amphitheatre in Arandis. Discussions were held with various stakeholders to identify the best long-term solution to the community’s continual water challenges. Community Involvement Activities in Arandis

Erongo Development The Erongo Micro-credit Scheme provides loan Eight Arandis-based entrepreneurs were supported The Rössing Foundation does not only work directly guarantee for SMEs that are unable to access loans in business development and counselling. Record- with SMEs, but also recognises that indirect help Foundation Partnership from commercial banks, due to a lack of collateral. keeping of income and expenses, including mixing through community involvement is key to developing The Rössing Foundation, in partnership with the During 2019, the EDF loans overall performance was personal and business finances, remain a challenge and maintaining a strong SME environment. Erongo Development Foundation (EDF), continued to below average, as the repayment stood at 38 per among the small- and micro entrepreneurs. During provide collateral funding and business development cent. The low repayment rate may be attributed business site visits, it was evident that many The Rössing Foundation team has been working services and marketing linkage to the SME sector to the current economic downturn. However, the Arandis entrepreneurs were struggling to keep their closely with the Arandis Town Council on plans to in the Erongo Region. The support is provided in EDF board and the regional leadership need to businesses afloat due to the economic climate in renovate the amphitheatre in Arandis, as well as collaboration with the Erongo Regional Council, investigate, assess and plan new strategies to assist 2019. The SMEs were, however, determined to adopt to re-establish an urban park in the town. Further particularly through the seven constituency offices of the entrepreneurs with the challenges they are new strategies that will help them to cope with the suggestions were also made to turn the defunct the region. facing. Failure to do so, the current defaulting rate situation to ensure businesses sustainability. swimming pool into a fountain park attraction. would put more pressure to the guarantee fund as the EDF guarantees 60 per cent of the total loans.

The Rössing Foundation 28 Annual Report 2019 29 The Rössing Foundation

The Rössing Foundation strives to assist in improving education delivery, developing of the local workforce and strengthening the local economy through innovation and enterprise development.

Windhoek office Swakopmund office Ondangwa office

The Rössing Foundation The Rössing Foundation The Rössing Foundation Executive Director Centre Manager Centre Manager 360 Sam Nujoma Drive, Windhoek Sinden Avenue, Swakopmund PO Box 479, Ondangwa Private Bag 13214 or PO Box 1458, Swakopmund Tel. +264 65 240259 PO Box 20746, Windhoek Tel. +264 64 416500 Fax +264 65 240508 Tel. +264 61 211721 Fax +264 64 416501 Fax +264 61 233637

www.rossingfoundation.com

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