Namibia has joined the world in commemorating International White Cane Day yesterday, promoting independence, dignity, and inclusive education for people with disabilities.
The Windhoek event also saw donations of educational equipment and essential items to support learners.
Learners, government representatives, and private-sector partners gathered at Zoo Park in Windhoek to promote inclusion and equal educational opportunities for people with visual impairments.
UNESCO donated specialised educational equipment worth N$340,000 to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture.
The equipment includes Braille paper, tactile graphics paper, audiovisual equipment, and software to improve learning access for learners with various disabilities.
UNESCO Country Representative Eunice Smith had this to say.
“By increasing access to inclusive educational resources, we are helping learners to strengthen their ability to advocate for themselves, seek support when needed, and participate fully in society. His initiative is expected to reach approximately 85,000 learners who are differently abled in Namibia, while strengthening the capacity of teachers, caregivers, and educational support personnel to provide inclusive education.”
Private-sector partners also contributed, with Bank BIC donating white canes and FNB providing sun hats, sunscreen, and other essential items worth N$100,000 for people with albinism.
Steenkamp stressed that learners with disabilities deserve accessible learning environments and equal opportunities to realise their potential.
“Accessible educational resources open up pathways to knowledge, to informed decision-making and personal development. And both are instruments through which people can exercise great independence and participate more fully in the world around them. Their connection is important. Independence is not determined by a person's eyesight or physical abilities alone. It is also shaped by whether the environment in which they find themselves is truly accessible, whether information is easily available in the appropriate formats, and whether societies, communities, our parents, our households, and our schools truly create the opportunities for people to realise their full potential.”
A learner from the School for the Visually Impaired Joy Pack also highlighted the significance of the day.
“As a society, I believe we should care for one another. We should care for one another, show compassion, and be kind. And instead of showing pity, we should just care and hold hands, as well as advocate for them.”
The commemoration highlighted the need for collective action to ensure learners with disabilities can access education and participate fully in society.