馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Shiramed Medical Institute accepts cattle for tuition fees in Katima Mulilo
via The Namibian3 min read
Shiramed Medical Institute in Katima Mulilo has implemented an arrangement allowing students to pay tuition fees with cattle, as cash is not always readily available. Principal tutor Chani Felix stated this model has been effective, especially for students who own cattle but face financial constraints. The institution, a private nursing training facility with 296 students, also fully funds students who qualify for assistance from the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund NSFAF. The Students Union of Namibia SUN supports this initiative, suggesting that accepting livestock and agricultural produce could broaden access to higher education for rural families. SUN board chairperson Benhard Kavau highlighted that livestock has historically been a recognized form of exchange in African societies and could be integrated into an innovative higher education financing framework. However, the University of Namibia Unam currently only accepts electronic fund transfers and cash, with no immediate plans to adopt livestock payments. The Namibia National Students Organisation Nanso acknowledges that many families already sell livestock for tuition but views direct payment with livestock as an impractical long-term solution. Nanso president Dorothea Nangolo noted that livestock is often sold below market value when parents are pressured to pay fees, and advocates for fully funded tertiary education as a sustainable solution.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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