Amy sees herself going places
For most, a scholarship means financial relief. For Amy Andrew, a second-year Business and Information Administration student at NUST, it is more than that – it means empowerment and independence.
Growing up in Schlip, a small settlement in the Hardap Region, Amy faced challenges, from limited resources to societal misconceptions. This is because she was born with a visual impairment that limited her mobility and affected her quality of life, but she remained optimistic.
"I never believed in the word ‘disabled’—we are all just differently abled," she says. Her determination and academic excellence caught the attention of the Rössing Foundation, which awarded her a N$200 000 sponsorship covering a scholarship, a laptop with assistive software, and telescopic glasses.
"The telescopic glasses have given me a new level of independence. When I heard I could potentially qualify for a driving licence, I was overwhelmed with joy," she shares. At NUST, Amy found support. "From my lecturers ensuring my study materials were accessible to classmates treating me as an equal, I have felt supported every step of the way," she said.
Maria Immanuel, Rössing Foundation’s Liaison and Community Development Manager, pledged further support for Amy, stating that she will be given the opportunity to undergo the Rössing Foundation Internship Programme, gaining invaluable experience for her future. Looking ahead, Amy envisions herself as a Chief Executive Officer in real estate and development company, driving transformative projects. Her advice to others? "Your struggles do not define you; your perseverance does."
Dr Donovan Zealand, NUST’s Director of Student Services, praised the impact of the collaboration, stating that "a truly great university leaves no student behind." This is one of a number of collaborations that the University is involved in, aimed at bettering the lives of less-privileged students.
