The director for Disability Affairs and Marginalized Communities in the Office of the President, Niita Ipinge, says a five-day workshop has enabled the office to strengthen its advocacy on disability mainstreaming, improve coordination and foster strong relations with key stakeholders.

Ipinge said this at the closing of the workshop on the National Disability Mainstreaming Plan and finalisation of the student disability grant programme, held at Otjiwarongo.

Ipinge says participants undertook training to advance inclusion, promote equal opportunity and ensure that persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in societal development.

"Over the course of this engagement, staff members of the division of disability affairs have shared their knowledge, experience, and perspective that have enriched our discussion and strengthened the outcome of this process. This commitment demonstrated by everyone present reflects on our responsibility to ensure that disability inclusion remains at the centre of our work and that our programmes and services respond effectively to the needs of people with disabilities."

Ipinge called on stakeholders to work on integrating disability policies, planning budget implementation and monitoring processes as a collective effort with the Office of the President.

"should remind ourselves that disability is a cross-cutting issue, and therefore it requires all sectors to work together to ensure the successful implementation of this disability mainstreaming plan. It is therefore our responsibility, as staff members, to go out and utilise all platforms at our disposal to train and sensitise all offices, ministries, agencies and other key stakeholders on the mainstreaming plan."

The finalisation of the student with disability grant programme also marked an important step towards reducing barriers that affect students with disabilities.

The workshop was attended by Division staff members from all 14 regions.