President Nangolo Mbumba has encouraged Namibians to play their part and respond to the appeals for support by the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired (NAFVI).

Dr. Mbumba, who is also the patron of the Federation, appealed to Namibians to ensure that both the abled-bodied and disabled are all part of the mantra, One Namibia, One Nation.

He was speaking during the fundraising gala dinner of the Federation at the Parliament Gardens, where the President pledged N$80,000.

The Federation, which is an umbrella body organisation of the regional associations for the visually impaired, provides comprehensive mobility and rehabilitation training and services such as braille. 

Since 2010, it has provided services to approximately 2,000 individuals with visual impairments and caretakers.

These services, however, require a consistent flow of funding owing to the growing needs of the visually impaired community.

The organisation is registered under the welfare division of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, from where it is allocated N$15,000 per month but is required to raise its own funds for budgetary needs.

President Mbumba has been the patron of the organisation for 20 years.

Through his patronage, the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired undertakes targeted initiatives to raise funds, including this gala dinner where more than N$290,000 was raised in pledges.

"This is an exercise that is close to my heart because not only do I believe that every human being on this planet is born with innate potential and ability, but I am also a firm believer that disability is not an inability and thus not an obstacle to success. Therefore, all human beings with disabilities should be supported to pursue their dreams to the fullest extent," he said.

With a membership of N$16,500, the advocacy activities of the Federation are anchored on inclusion.

This adds to the broad objective of removing all social, physical, and economic barriers.

"We are proud of the fact that, as a nation, we have developed a legal framework related to disability, including the National Policy on Disability, the National Disability Council Act, and the endorsement of African Union and United Nations declarations and conventions. However, there is still more to be done to ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded equal and equitable rights and opportunities to lead a consistent quality of life in employment, education, and health services," said Mbumba.

The long-term goals of the Federation are to have branches in all regions and to make programmes accessible to people living with disabilities. 

Former Chief Reporter of the nbc and Chairperson of the Federation, Alfons Maketo, says the increased visibility will also help fight stigma. 

Current statistics indicate that about 27,000 people are sight-impaired in Namibia.

The Namibian Federation of Visually Impaired was established in 1986.