Sign language interpreters from various parts of Namibia are in Windhoek for a 10-day training.

The training is organised by the Namibian National Association of the Deaf in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

Meke Haluodi and Wilbard Matias are some of the many sign language interpreters attending the training.

They both attended high schools that accommodated people with hearing impairments, and that's how they fell in love with the language.

Both trainees have since taken advanced courses in sign language, and this particular training is just another opportunity to brush up on their skills.

The main idea behind the training is not only to professionalise Namibian sign language interpretation but also to advocate for the recognition of sign language as an official indigenous language in Namibia.

Beata Ndinelao Armas is the Chairperson of the Namibian National Association of the Deaf, and she talks about why sign language interpreters should be accessible at all institutions.

She says sign language interpreters are not enough, and the few available are concentrated in Windhoek.

The Namibia Training Authority, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, and the vocational training centres are some of the few institutions offering sign language interpreter services.