LÜDERITZ – The Lüderitz Disability Association, which aims to provide advocacy and services to people with disability and to empower them to determine their own destinies, elected its first board members here two weeks ago.
O’Brien Forbes was elected as chairperson, while Jacobus Ruiters was elected as treasurer and Sharika Isaacs as secretary of the association. Additional members are Aina Mwaala, Anna Hendricks, Thangeni Potsane, Sandra Ortman, Magdalena Pofadder and Reinhold Muhangi.
The association’s chairman, Forbes, explained that the organization is currently in an early development phase, but aims to hold its first event on 3 December on the International Day for People with Disabilities.
Forbes further stated that the Lüderitz Disability Association is in the process of registering as a certified non-profit organization in the country.
One of the main goals of the association is to create a unified voice for disabled people in Lüderitz and beyond.
“For our operation this means we will work directly with disabled individuals to identify their needs, dreams and desires, and to use the leverage of our organization to help make these things possible. We will work to ensure disabled individuals are respected and integrated into all sectors of society, specifically in areas that are vital in their health and happy living, and when necessary, we will work as their advocates when their rights and livelihoods are not respected,” Forbes explained.