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Learner who invented SIM-free mobile phone, gets scholarship from mobile telecoms firm

A Namibian Grade 12 learner Simon Petrus who recently made headlines after he invented a sim-free mobile phone, which makes free calls using radio frequencies has been offered a tertiary education scholarship for a technology degree of his choice by the country’s telecoms operator MTC.

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A Namibian Grade 12 learner Simon Petrus who recently made headlines after he invented a sim-free mobile phone, which makes free calls using radio frequencies has been offered a tertiary education scholarship by the country’s telecoms operator Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC).

Petrus is a learner at Abraham Iyambo Senior Secondary School, and he made the phone using parts from a telephone and television set. It took the whiz kid two years to complete the mobile device. The project was funded by Petrus’ unemployed parents, who had to sacrifice over N$2 000 (U.S$ 146) to ensure that his project would be completed successfully.

Petrus holding the mobile phone Photo: New Era

Petrus holding the mobile phone Photo: New Era

Following the invention, MTC has guaranteed to fund Petrus’ university studies to pursue his dreams.

MTC Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer, Tim Ekandjo, presented a letter of commitment to the young inventor, agreeing to fund his studies towards a technology degree of his choice upon completion of his high school studies,  according to an MTC press release.

Ekandjo, commended Petrus for his extraordinary and brilliant invention and said the country needs more innovative people like Petrus to ascertain that the future of technology in the country is bright, the statement noted.

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Ekandjo revealed that the company does not usually fund learners from grade 12, but MTC  is proud to make an exception.

Read: Namibian learner invents SIM-free mobile phone, which doesn’t use airtime

The news of the scholarship is being celebrated on social media, and users continue to commend the telecoms company for investing in the tech potential of Namibia’s young people.

Last year Petrus won a gold medal at the NamPower national schools’ competition, after he invented a machine that serves as a seed drier and cooler.

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