The discrimination and stigmatization that visually impaired people often face is not the only injustice that they are dealt with, they also experience difficulties when it comes to the provision of disability equipment and infrastructure.
The number of the visually impaired is on a continued rise, Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) reported in 2016 that the population has increased from 13 721 in 1994 to 16 189 in 2011. This increase continues to put a strain on the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired to offer assistance without the support from either public or private sector.
The challenge of lack of equipment and facilities for the visually impaired has caused a hindrance to the training programs that are aimed to equip visually impaired people with skills to be independent.
The federation is commissioned to advocate for the rights of visual impaired people and raise awareness for their recognition by society. Serving as the national co-operated body and facilitators of the Federation’s vision to reach the full integration of visually impaired people in all aspects of life.
Sanlam which strives to create environments that are conducive for all to thrive, bought into this vision and donated 45 white canes to the Federation. The white cane is recognized as a global symbol of independence, a sign of autonomy and respect for the inherent dignity for the blind and partially sighted persons.
At the handover ceremony Elizabeth Nailenge echoed that “We are confident that this donation will aid the federation’s recipients to live autonomously, be self-empowered and limitless. We believe that all citizens of the Namibian house should be afforded that opportunity and tools to allow and afford them active participation in the economy”.
On his part, Moses Nghipandulwa, the Executive Director of the Federation, while gratefully receiving the donations maintains “The donation could not have come at an opportune time. Therefore we are extremely grateful to Sanlam for answering our call for help and we look forward to working together on more projects”.