The challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments in Namibia necessitate a collaborative and unified effort.

President Nangolo Mbumba made this observation during the gala dinner hosted by the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired (NFVI) in the capital last week.

“The problems and challenges faced by persons with visual impairments in Namibia require a collective and concerted effort by government, private sector, civil society and citizens, including those living with disabilities.

“We must work together towards the inclusion of visually impaired persons by removing all social, physical and economic barriers that hinder their developmental ambitions and social progression,” he said.

The gala dinner was part of an initiative to generate funds for the NFVI. Mbumba said he has been involved with the federation as its patron for approximately 20 years.

“I am pleased with the progress made by the federation. I am aware that the process of providing services and advocacy is not an easy task but as they say, ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’

Therefore, let us all willingly play our part in opening the way towards a better life and greater opportunities for our visually impaired fellow citizens,” he said.

NFVI has been advocating for the needs of individuals with visual impairments since its establishment 35 years ago.

The federation currently has 16 500 members and operates five regional offices in Oshikoto, Kavango, //Kharas, Khomas and Zambezi regions.

Mbumba noted that the federation “provides comprehensive mobility and rehabilitation training, including in massage therapy, arts and crafts and others, and services such as brailing.”

Its rehabilitation and mobility training programme has to date provided services to about 2 000 individuals with visual impairments and caretakers since inception in 2010, he said.

He said Namibia has made significant strides in advancing the welfare of people with disability, pointing out the legal framework related to disability, including the National Policy on Disability, and the National Disability Council Act.

“However, there is still more to be done to ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded equal and equitable rights and opportunities to lead a consistent quality of life in employment, education and health services,” Mbumba said.

-Nampa