The African Counsellors Social Development Association (ACSDA), a non-profit organisation, hosted its first graduation ceremony for about 80 graduates, all survivors from the Otweya fire in Narraville who were evicted with other vulnerable members of the Walvis Bay community.

The organisation was born out of a desire to bring change to people's lives and enhance their quality of life while offering counselling services in the spirit of care and transformation.

The African Counsellors Social Development Association was founded in 2014 in Walvis Bay and became a skills provider in 2019. It champions the cause against gender-based violence in the community and is centred on a vision to achieve social and psychological wellness. The founder and president of the association, Salatiel Kalola, urged graduates to follow suit and keep providing job opportunities to other youth.

Also speaking at the occasion was the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka, who said the occasion recognised the incredible efforts made by the young residents, who gained the necessary skills to help safeguard their communities from future disasters.