A number of visually impaired people have expressed appreciation for the equal opportunities available to them to participate in economic activities to uplift themselves and their communities.

They were speaking at the International White Cane Safety Day themed "Unity is Strength" held at Mariental and attended by about a hundred visually impaired people from ||Kharas and Hardap regions.

The event was organised by the Southern Association for the Visually Impaired under the auspices of the Namibian Federation for the Visually Impaired.

Motivational speakers shared their experiences of how they are navigating social challenges and encouraged others to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the government.

"I passed all my subjects and today I have qualifications for levels 1 and 2 in hospitality and tourism. I intend to finish levels 3, 4, 5, or even level 6 in hospitality. Therefore, I would like to encourage other visually impaired people that there are opportunities. We should grab them, instead of sitting at home feeling sorry about your situation," said Imealtha Plaaitjie, Committee Member of the Southern Association for the Visually Impaired.

Hardap Governor Salomon April encouraged people with disabilities to stand up for their rights and ensure that they participate in social and economic development programmes.

"You have access like anybody to any door in the country, and you claim what whoever else is getting in this country, from the economic resources of this country, the development of this country, claim it with equal sound, voice, and determination."