Pricilla Mukokobi
Namibian civil society actors on Monday celebrated World Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Day, a day set aside to recognise, celebrate, and honour the fundamental contributions and profound impact these independent organisations have on the world.
World NGO Day is celebrated in more than 89 countries and over six continents each year on 27 February since 2014.
The event was attended by a large number of NGOs under the theme ‘Celebrating and Collaborating in Accelerating the Achievement of the National Development Goals of Namibia’.
Among a host of speakers, Ronny Dempers, the executive director of the Namibia Development Trust, said the day means a lot to NGOs as they celebrate the sacrifices they make to make this world a better place for everyone.
“Today, we are celebrating human labour; we are celebrating everyone who is changing lives one way or another,” he added.
Dempers proudly noted that through their efforts, together with those of the National Planning Commission, they have managed to review the Government Civic Organisation Partnership Policy.
“Additionally, NGOs have started to explore mechanisms around setting up a network aimed at strengthening the coordination mechanisms and the voice of civil society organisations (CSOs) aimed at influencing development policies in Namibia.”
Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia director Ben Schernick stated that their vision is to ensure that everyone in Namibia has the resources, knowledge, and motivation to ensure food security and optimal health for themselves and for all children in Namibia to be sufficiently well nourished.
He went on to say how unfortunate it is that not everyone in the country has access to food.
“We need to ensure food and nutrition security in Namibia is not only a basic need for human survival and existence but also crucial to ensure the nourishment of the growing population of Namibia,” said Schernick.
At the same event, National Federation of People with Disabilities chairperson Matheus Hashoongo explained that his organisation fights for the rights of people with disabilities and assists the most vulnerable.
“We have a body (unit) in the house (office) of the prime minister, but we are not represented, and it is so heartbreaking that we have to fight on our own,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Hashoongo added the organisation is doing well and no one is left out.
Meanwhile, local celebrations will continue today with a workshop on ‘Developing a Framework for Engagement between the Namibian government and CSOs in Namibia and discussions on the formation of a Namibian NSA network.
On Friday, celebrations will end with a networking braai and solidarity action with the people from Swaziland.
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