Isai Sipunga
In the bustling halls of the International University of Management (IUM), where dreams are forged and futures sculpted, one student’s resilience has captured the hearts of
her peers and community.
Wilhelmina Mpingana Kashima, a second-year student at IUM, is not just navigating the rigours of academia, but also the challenges posed by physical disability.
“I struggle with mobility because I only have one arm, which makes it difficult for me to push myself around, especially navigating the school’s challenging terrain, with its valleys and uneven paths. Often, there is nobody available to assist me in class, although occasionally the security guards lend a hand when they are present. Unfortunately, this means I sometimes miss lessons,” lamented Kashima.
Born with half an arm and without legs, her indomitable spirit has defied the odds at every turn.
Yet, despite her remarkable determination, her current wheelchair has become a hindrance rather than a means of liberation.
The arduous task of traversing the expansive campus has left her reliant on the kindness of friends and, at times, even security guards to aid her mobility.
But Kashima’s story is not defined by limitations; it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering support of the community. Orphaned at just one-year-old, she was embraced by her grandmother, who instilled in her the virtues of perseverance and resilience.
Fuelled by her grandmother’s wisdom, Kashima embarked on her educational journey at IUM, determined to carve out a future filled with promise.
“I lost my parents when I was just a year old. Growing up in the village, attending primary school was a real challenge. I relied on my cousins to carry me since using a wheelchair wasn’t feasible due to the sandy terrain and fences,” she added.
In the fifth grade, Kashima received a motorised wheelchair through a donation from late president Hage Geingob, which greatly improved her mobility. She used it throughout most of high school, until it was damaged by some children playing with it. Now, she is back to using a manual one.
However, the exorbitant cost of a motorised wheelchair, ranging between N$20 000 and N$60 000, stands as a formidable barrier to Kashima’s independence.
As a student, she finds herself grappling with financial constraints which impede her ability to acquire the mobility aid she so desperately needs. Yet, her spirit remains unbroken, her resolve unwavering.
In the face of adversity, Kashima’s plight has sparked a wave of compassion and solidarity within the IUM community and beyond.
Margaret Johannes, a friend who has witnessed Kashima’s struggles first-hand, echoes the sentiments of many when she expresses a fervent hope for her friend’s access to a motorised wheelchair.
As Kashima stands at the intersection of perseverance and possibility, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of unity and empathy. In rallying behind her cause, the community not only uplifts a fellow student, but also reaffirms the values of inclusivity and support that define the fabric of IUM.
In a world often marked by division, Kashima’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a future where every individual, regardless of circumstance, is empowered to thrive.
-isipunga@nepc.com.na