Windhoek, Jan 28 — Nedbank Namibia has supported NeuroNexus Academy, a specialist school in Windhoek dedicated to educating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), by providing classroom furniture and learning apparatus valued at N$34Â 000.
This contribution forms part of the bank’s corporate social investment focus and its intentional alignment with the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 4, which promotes inclusive, equitable, and quality education and supports lifelong learning
opportunities for all; and SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities, including those linked to disability.
Recent reporting in Namibia has highlighted the pressure on special needs education capacity, with hundreds of
children reportedly on waiting lists due to limited space in specialised school ls. These learning environments
differ significantly from mainstream classrooms, often requiring much smaller teacher-to-learner ratios because
of the support needs involved.
NeuroNexus Academy opened in January 2025 to address a critical gap in Namibia’s 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 – and that early, appropriate intervention
improves outcomes.
Founder of NeuroNexus Academy, Elsje Fowler, said: ‘The need in Namibia is immense, and we feel honoured
to offer this service to the Namibian community. 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 added: ‘We want to create opportunities for children to pursue their interests 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.’
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.
He noted that, for Nedbank Namibia, reducing inequality means supporting practical interventions that help
children fully participate in their learning rather than merely cope.
Maengahama further explained that the bank’s ethos of being ‘money experts who do good’ reflects its focus on
initiatives that drive measurable, positive outcomes. He acknowledged NeuroNexus Academy’s role in creating
pathways for learners who require specialised support and affirmed the bank’s continued commitment to
initiatives of this nature.
Communications, Gernot de Klerk (back row – fourth from left), at their premises in Windhoek.
