Empowering children at Dagbreek

Namibia celebrates National Disability Day
Yolanda Nel
  • 11 Months Ago - 2023-06-09 13:38:00
On Saturday, 10 June, Namibia celebrates National Disability Day and at Dagbreek they are expanding their projects to make sure every student that comes through their doors is equipped with a bright and successful future.
Dagbreek spokesperson Ndunge Iyambo, said that raising awareness on disability of any kind that deals primarily with intellectual and learning disabilities and disorders, is vital. “For the average person you are imparting knowledge - knowing that people are living differently, not by choice - and that these differences limit your ability to do something,” she explained. These limitations do not mean that people or children living with disabilities are unable to do anything; they just have to find alternative ways of making life work for them. “Raising awareness gives those with disabilities a voice and a right to be heard.”
Dagbreek’s success has been proven in the past and continues to prove that they can successfully integrate their students into working societies.
According to Iyambo, their awareness raising primarily focuses on support. “Our school cannot run like the average mainstream school. We have special needs and those special needs need to be catered for.”
As an example, she explains that some students are wheelchair bound and there may be a need for actual wheelchairs or monetary sponsorships. “When we're raising awareness, it's really for support to run the school so that we're able to cater to the needs of these learners.”
Dagbreek has several projects, from a self-sufficient garden where the produce is used in their kitchen and the excess is sold to the public, to a car wash and looking after horses. “We assess where each child will flourish and give them the necessary skills for that industry, whether that be gardening or brick making.”
The school also has plans to expand their projects to include manicures and pedicures. “Our students remain here until the age of 21 and they also engage in job placements. This ensures that the students and future employers know that they are ready and able to be successful candidate in the workforce.”