Jaenique Swartz
Nomad Wellness Homestead hosted the graduation of their visually impaired massage therapy students on 31 October under the sponsorship of Debmarine Namibia.
The event was nothing short of tear-inducing moments as the graduates took centre stage to celebrate their journeys leading up to becoming massage therapists.
They are Josephine Marthin, Sara Matias, Maria Marthina, Mekeliwa Ndahalamo Hamunyela and Meriam Kamberipa.
Founder of Nomad Wellness Homestead, Mariane Akwenye recently also walked away with a highly accredited award from the 13th Institute of People Management (IPM) award ceremony. The ceremony was held under the theme, “Unleash, Inspire, Connect”, where Nomad Wellness Homestead was awarded for the change they bring about by employing disabled workers from underprivileged backgrounds.
Akwenye said: “When you come and support Nomad Spa, it’s not just about looking after your wellbeing, it goes further because 50% of whatever it is that you pay for your treatment goes back into our institute where we train groups of visually impaired or young ladies from disadvantaged communities as some have no means of paying tuition fees”.
One of the graduates, Marthin delivered a truly heartfelt speech that tugged at every audience member’s heartstrings as she encouraged the masses to not discriminate against visually impaired people and give them a space in society.
Marthin shared that her love for massaging was birthed from a very young age. She joked about how she could not sleep at night without massaging her mother or grandmother as the practice is relaxing to her.
“When I first came to Nomad, I thought it would be very difficult because people in the industry have discriminated against us visually impaired people already. However, what I experienced here was not what I thought I would. It became easier after two weeks because I realised that even though I can’t see, my hands are my eyes.”
She further emphasised on the importance of having a community, reiterating the fact that people need people and being visually impaired should not be viewed as something that halts the trajectory of one’s destiny. “Being visually impaired does not mean we do not get to put bread on the table, so now that we are done with our course, we get to go out there and do something with our lives just like everyone else.”
The graduate concluded her speech by encouraging fellow visually impaired people to revolt against their challenges and make a positive change in their lives because there is a bright future waiting for them.
Nomad gifted each of the graduates their own massage kits where they will be able to practice their craft and make a means for themselves post-graduation.