Vice President Lucia Witbooi paid a visit to the Oniipa ELCIN rehabilitation centre in the Oshikoto Region.
The centre serves people with disabilities and those in need of rehabilitation services.
Established 36 years ago, the ELCIN Rehabilitation Centre, with support from Finnish donors, serves people with all manner of disability, offering them community-based rehabilitation to patients across the region on a daily basis.
Centre Manager, Lempie Kamati, says the center conducts community outreach education campaigns to create awareness on all issues related to disabilities.
Kamati says they print Braille books in all 14 regions and record books and newspapers onto CDs for the visually impaired to have access to information.
The centre is the sole source for Braille printing materials in the north.
Financial constraints contributed to a current staff shortage though.
Some volunteers have also resigned, as they could no longer work without allowances, while experienced staff have left for greener pastures.
Witbooi commended the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) for its contribution to the social development of the people, especially in advancing the well-being of people with disabilities.
"At this centre, lives are restored, abilities are strengthened and hope is renewed. The services offered at this centre empower persons with disabilities to gain independence, confidence and a meaningful role within their families and communities."
The Vice President applauded the community of people with disabilities for their resilience, for believing in themselves and for showing that disability does not mean inability.
"I would like to inform you that the government remains committed to the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. Our constitutions, national policies and international commitments guide us towards building an inclusive society in which all citizens, regardless of physical, intellectual or psychosocial development, can participate fully in national development," Witbooi highlighted.
The Vice President donated cleaning materials and toiletries to the centre.