Joseph Kamata
Leaders in the Kavango East region have called for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in education and development, urging the public to end discrimination and promote equal opportunities. The call was made during the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN) Stakeholder Education and Awareness Training in Rundu.
In the keynote address by Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka, delivered by the Mayor of Rundu, Andreas Jikerwa, the governor stated that the inclusion of persons with disabilities is a shared responsibility that requires every institution to act within its mandate and work collaboratively towards a common goal.
The governor acknowledged that persons with disabilities, particularly those in rural communities, may face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, public services, employment and information. He therefore called on different stakeholders in the region to incorporate disability inclusion into development plans.
“As governor, I call upon all stakeholders in Kavango East to make disability inclusion an integral part of our regional development agenda,” said Hambyuka. “Our progress must be evident in accessible public services, inclusive schools, fair employment opportunities and communities where persons with disabilities can participate fully and live with dignity,” he added.
The mayor, who also delivered the welcoming remarks, reiterated the importance of including persons with disabilities in society, emphasising the need for meaningful consultation and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decisions that affect their lives.
NDCN Head of Legal Compliance and Project Lead, Jessica !Gawachab, said that persons with disabilities, especially those in rural areas, continue to face transport challenges when travelling to town to access services such as education, healthcare and police services. However, she urged them to remain optimistic and assured them that the council remains committed to working towards finding solutions to the problems they face.
!Gawachab also called on the public not to discriminate against persons with disabilities, but rather to continue supporting them.
*Joseph Kamata is an Information Officer in the MICT, Kavango East region.
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