The Government's Students with Disabilities Grant Programme has supported hundreds of Namibians with disabilities to access and complete higher education.

Beneficiaries highlighted the programme's impact on their academic and career journeys.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with beneficiaries in Windhoek, Vice President Lucia Witbooi said the programme demonstrates the government's commitment to inclusive education.

“I am particularly proud that the programme also makes provision for the reasonable accommodation needs of students with disabilities. This demonstrates that the government is committed not only to providing financial support but also to ensuring equal participation, dignity and inclusion.”

Witbooi said the programme's budget has increased from one million dollars in 2019 to N$12.4 million for the 2026/2027 financial year, with 689 students having benefited to date.

Beneficiary Gabriel Wakalenda, who sustained a spinal cord injury at work, said the programme supported him from his undergraduate studies through to his current Master's degree, while also assisting him to secure an internship.

“After your studies, they will not just leave you like that; they will follow up and find out whether you are employed. I was amazed by the communication they maintained with our Chief Executive Officer and the Director of the Ministry—the communication flowed very well. On my side, they cared for me as if I were their biological son. In a nutshell, I just want to thank Disability Affairs for continuing to stand by me until I became employed.”

Another beneficiary, Mwaka Mutenda, who lost her sight while pursuing her studies, said the grant enabled her to complete her qualifications and advance her career despite the challenges associated with living with a disability.

She currently works as a human rights project manager at the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired.

Because of this funding, it made it possible for me to excel both academically and career-wise. So today I'm a proud, educated person with a disability in Namibia because of this grant.”

The programme also provides for transport, specialised wheelchairs, sign-language interpreters and laptops, depending on students' needs.

Witbooi encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the support provided, complete their studies and use their qualifications and skills to participate meaningfully in the labour market and contribute to Namibia's development.

The programme, which was introduced in 2018 and is implemented through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund.