OMTHIYA – A visibly emotional Prime Minister Dr Hage Geingob donated N$16 000 towards the purchase of an electric wheelchair for 10-year-old disabled Wilemina Kashima, who is a Grade 4 learner at Ekulo Senior Secondary School in the Omuthiya circuit.
Dr Geingob told hundreds of teachers who attended an educational conference at the school to support vulnerable learners to enable them to concentrate on their studies rather than have them burdened with the emotional stress of their disability. “I was emotionally touched when I saw Wilemina dancing without her legs and one arm, despite being different from the rest of her traditional dancing group. I then decided to assist her to purchase the wheelchair so that other pledges could cover other necessities such as school fees, clothing and daily consumables that the household requires,” he said. Kashima was born with a condition that led to her having only one hand, while both her legs are knee-length stumps, according to her grandmother and guardian Teopolina Hamukoto.
Omuthiya Constituency Councilor, Armas Amukoto, told New Era that the donation comes as a great relief to Kashima and her family, which despite her disability has shown dedication towards her education. She did not miss a single day of school last year.
Meanwhile, Geingob said teachers ought to ensure that young people leave school with not only adequate qualifications, but also with confidence and social skills that they will need throughout life.
By Engel Nawatiseb