Auleria Wakudumo

For 36-year-old Alma Iiyambo from Iipanda-Ombathi village in the Omusati region, taking her six-year-old daughter to school meant walking 16 kilometres daily, carrying her on her back. 

Her daughter, Fransina Mutilitha, was born with a clubfoot disability, making it impossible for her to walk long distances on her own.

Despite the physical demands and daily challenges, Iiyambo remained determined to ensure her child receives an education.

“I used to carry my child 16 kilometres to school. It wasn’t easy, but I had no choice. My daughter deserves to learn like any other child,” she recalled.

However, life became a little easier last Friday when Stanlib Namibia donated a wheelchair to the family during a handover ceremony at the Omusati Regional Council offices.

While grateful for the support, Iiyambo said her struggles are far from over.

“There are no older children at home to help push the wheelchair. The other children are the same age as her, so I still have to do it myself,” she said.

Mutilitha attends Atanasius Penda Private School, which is closer to home compared to her previous school, Ombathi Combined School.

“I’m considering moving her to a school with a hostel so she can stay there during the week and not miss school,” her mother said.

Mutilitha is expected to start grade 1 next year.

The wheelchair donation is intended to support her educational journey and ease the family’s daily challenges.