Nedbank Namibia has invested N$150 000 in environmental education through its Go Green Fund to train educators and community leaders in sustainable living.
The funding supports the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET) Educator Programme, which teaches participants practical ways to conserve water, reduce waste, protect biodiversity and use natural resources responsibly.
According to a statement, the programme targets teachers, community fieldworkers, conservation practitioners, and development professionals who can pass on their knowledge.
NaDEET, a non-profit organisation established in 2003, operates environmental education centres at the NamibRand Nature Reserve and in Swakopmund. The organisation uses hands-on learning to teach participants about climate change, renewable energy, water conservation and waste management. NaDEET environmental educator Festus Awene said participants do more than attend lessons.
“A unique feature of the programme is its environmental auditing component, where participants monitor their use of water, energy and waste throughout their stay. This hands-on exercise encourages reflection on personal consumption patterns,” Awene said.
The organisation believes that practical experience helps people adopt sustainable habits they can apply at home, at work and in their communities. Nedbank Namibia’s chief financial officer, Victor Maengahama, said that investing in environmental education is an investment in the country’s future.
“At Nedbank Namibia, we believe sustainability is ultimately about people. By investing in environmental education through the Go Green Fund, we are helping to develop informed leaders and community champions who can drive lasting behavioural change,” he said.
He added that programmes such as NaDEET provide people with practical experience, enabling them to become active participants in building a more sustainable Namibia.
According to the statement, the partnership between Nedbank’s Go Green Fund and NaDEET supports Namibia’s long-term environmental goals by equipping people with skills they can share across schools, workplaces and communities.
The bank said environmental education remains an important part of preparing the country to respond to climate change and other environmental challenges while promoting responsible use of natural resources. -newsroom@nepc.com.na
The post Nedbank backs environmental education with N$150 000 appeared first on New Era.