Even though the Sauyemwa Centre for the visually impaired in the Kavango East Region has been around for 16 years, students continue to fend for themselves.

But once in a while, a benefactor or two visits the centre. Established over a decade and a half ago, the place serves as a safe space for the visually impaired from both Kavango regions. 

It is here where they learn how to read Braille while being introduced to various other subjects. 

As much as teaching and learning are taking place, the conditions here sometimes interfere with the educational process.

Those who live here say even though they need proper beds and blankets, they do with what they have.
 
There are no ablution facilities, so they wash themselves in buckets in their rooms. 

The students also claim that the toilets are unsafe to use because the septic tank is full, but they have no other choice. 

The students each contribute N$200 per month for food. And even though they only eat once a day, the rations still don't last, and not everyone can make the payment. 

To ensure that the visually impaired students attend classes, FNB Namibia's Rundu Branch donated over 70 kilogrammes of sugar, more than 100 kilogrammes of maize meal, 36 kilogrammes of rice, and 27 litres of cooking oil. 

FNB also replaced the centre's old signboard with a more visible one.

Apart from that, Momentum Metropolitan on the same day also chose to spend the day with the visually impaired by cooking for them. 

It was a joyous affair as the students enjoyed a home-cooked meal. 

Momentum Metropolitan also pledged N$10,000 towards the visually impaired centre. 

Students at the Sauyemwa Centre of the visually impaired dream that one day this place will be turned into a fully-fledged vocational training centre.