Disability organisation secures N$260 000 in pledges to boost national presence

The Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired (NFVI) has collected around N$260,000 in pledges at a gala dinner in Windhoek on Wednesday.

According to the NFVI board chairperson Alfons Maketo, the funds are aimed to strengthen their presence and visibility within various communities.

“We want to be represented in all corners of the country,” Maketo said.

He further explained that in the past, the organization was significantly held back by a lack of resources. However, he noted that the support from attendees at the dinner marks a positive step forward.

“We want to be visible, not to be beggars, but we want to stand on our own,” Maketo said.

The event brought together a diverse group of entities and organizations, including Namra, the Social Security Commission and members of the business community, among others.

Speaking at the event, president Nangolo Mbumba says disability is not inability. Mbumba, who also serves as the NFVI patron, noted that having a disability is not an obstacle to success. At the same platform, the president pledged N$80 000 to the organisation.

He said 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. In this regard, I am pleased with the progress made by the federation,” he said.

“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.