Namibia will merge its student financial aid fund into the education ministry despite plans for free college education starting in 2026. The government still wants to absorb the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund, which helps poor students pay for college. Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp talked with fund leaders about money models on Wednesday. The fund board will finish its work between August 2024 and October 2025. Officials created detailed plans for this change back in 2021.
Steenkamp made clear the fund continues but moves inside the ministry structure. Its buying team will join the ministry purchasing group. The communications staff will become part of the ministry media team. Cabinet leaders must approve this setup before anything happens. Steenkamp hopes to finish this step in May 2024. She plans to tell all workers about the changes in June.
The ministry will talk with employees about new work terms after approval. Staff members can accept jobs in the updated government structure if they want positions. Teams keep working on all parts of the integration plan. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that the country will pay full college costs for students from 2026. The fund has supported disadvantaged college students for many years through financial aid programs.
Steenkamp made clear the fund continues but moves inside the ministry structure. Its buying team will join the ministry purchasing group. The communications staff will become part of the ministry media team. Cabinet leaders must approve this setup before anything happens. Steenkamp hopes to finish this step in May 2024. She plans to tell all workers about the changes in June.
The ministry will talk with employees about new work terms after approval. Staff members can accept jobs in the updated government structure if they want positions. Teams keep working on all parts of the integration plan. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that the country will pay full college costs for students from 2026. The fund has supported disadvantaged college students for many years through financial aid programs.
