By Matheus
Hamutenya
KEETMANSHOOP – Fifty-five delegates from across the country attended the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired (NFVI) annual meeting at Keetmanshoop.
The meeting, which brought together delegates from different associations and leagues, was aimed at revising the current activity plan, discussing next year’s activities, and having a relook at the current financial situation of the federation.
In a speech read on his behalf by //Kharas Governor Bernadus Swartbooi, Minister of Health and Social Services Dr Richard Kamwi urged stakeholders to work towards an inclusive society.
Kamwi said there must be a supportive social environment and a legal framework for persons with disabilities to live as equals among others citizens and participate in development.
He said he was aware of many barriers faced by people with disabilities such as ignorance, fear and stereotyping which forced their exclusion from employment and other activities in society.
Kamwi said it was for this reason that Government adopted the Namibian National Disability Council Act, Act 26 of 2004 to create a legal framework to achieve full participation and equality for people with disabilities.
Kamwi assured the delegates that his ministry would continue taking the plight of people with disabilities seriously and collaborate with other stakeholders involved in the promotion of inclusive technologies for creating a society for all.
He underlined collaboration as an important factor that would ensure an inclusive society is achieved.
“Efforts to create an inclusive society should not be the responsibility of the government alone, but also that of people with disabilities themselves, NGOs and the private sector,” he said.
After delivery of the minister’s speech, the delegates had an opportunity to interact with the governor. Some raised concerns about the poor conditions people with disabilities live in, their none-participation in national celebrations, land issues they faced and the lack of a centre for the visually impaired in //Kharas Region.
Swartbooi responded saying poverty was a common challenge and urged the delegates to not just come up with problems but also suggest ways to solve such challenges. “We want to address the problem with you, not for you,” explained the regional governor.
He advised that they write down their concerns and forward them to the relevant authorities.
The main aims and objectives of NFVI are to provide services needed by its members including rehabilitation and promotion of well being of all the visually impaired and partially sighted persons.
NFVI also works towards promoting social integration in all fields of life and enhancing a positive attitude among the community towards visually impaired persons.
The 4-day meeting started on Thursday at the Keetmanshoop Multi-purpose Youth Centre and ended yesterday.