Oshakati
The Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs is in the process of orientating and preparing spiritual leaders to provide counselling and psychological support to war veterans.
Counselling and provision of psychological support will also be extended to the dependants of the war veterans, many of whom suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The ongoing four-day orientation is aimed at strengthening spiritual counselling services in terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government – represented by the National Planning Commission – and the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), that was signed in 2010.
Speaking at the official opening, Deputy Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Hilma Nicanor said the main objective of the orientation session is to aid in ensuring veterans’ full integration into society.
She said the war left many with multiple health, economic, social and psychological problems.
“The task ahead of this team is no easy one if we are to meet the national goal we have set ourselves under the leadership of this country – that of ensuring full integration of our veterans. However, in the spirit of Harambee, the task is not insurmountable,” she said.
In addition, the deputy minister said the veterans’ ministry remains committed to prioritising the needs of war veterans.
“For as long as this government will be there and [the ministry of] veterans’ affairs exists, the needs and aspiration of those who fought for this country will enjoy government’s attention,” said Nicanor.
The second group at the orientation meeting at Oshakati will join the veterans’ ministry in counselling veterans suffering from post-war trauma. Pastors and leaders of various churches and regions attended the meeting. The first orientation meeting was held in July.