Kachana Ndabeni
Stepping out from the shadows of his humble beginnings in the small village of Epunguwe in the Opuwo rural constituency, Nelson Mburura’s journey to graduation is nothing short of a coming-of-age tale, marked by extraordinary tenacity and the will to succeed.
With April’s graduation on the horizon, Mburura’s story illuminates what it means to graduate and echoes the many unheard tales of thousands of other graduates who come to the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). As he prepares to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, specialising in Agribusiness Management from Nust, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
As he reflects on his journey, Nelson remains grateful for the support of his family, friends and the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), which enabled him to pursue his dreams.
Looking ahead, Nelson is determined to continue his pursuit of excellence, knowing that his journey is just beginning.
“My journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. It is a testament to what perseverance can achieve,” Mburura said.
Speaking to New Era yesterday, he said he is now pursuing an honours degree in Agribusiness Management.
“It’s a year course and I don’t anyone to pay for my school. The contract that I had with NSFAF ended last year and I’m still living there in a tent. When I failed grade 12, I failed with 13 points and improved to 28 points in five years. It was not easy. But because of my commitment and dedication, I achieved this,” he said.
From his early days at Musaso Primary School, Mburura laid the foundation for his education in the face of challenges that would have deterred many.
Despite facing financial constraints that compelled him to live in a tent and take on odd jobs like working as a security guard to make ends meet, Mburura never gave up.
Academically, Mburura faced setbacks when he did not pass Grade 12, leading him to retake exams and seek opportunities to upgrade his grades.
This journey required him to enrol in various educational institutions – from Tucsin to Elite Tutorial College – in a relentless effort to improve his academic standing.
Despite these challenges, his determination and resilience never wavered.
Undeterred by the loss of his parents, which shook him deeply, he remained resolute in his pursuit of education.
Supported by his sisters, nephews and nieces, Mburura tackled these obstacles head-on, working tirelessly to overcome financial hardships and academic setbacks.
In 2020, Mburura’s resilience paid off when he passed the Nust mature age entry test, paving the way for his university admission.
-Additional reporting by New Era.
*….is a … at Nust
Photo: Mburura
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