DRFN, LAC empower San communities in Omaheke
The Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) is leading a series of outreach engagements in the Omaheke Region this November through its San Mobile Training Centre, focusing on community empowerment, legal awareness and inclusive development among San communities.The initiative is being supported by the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) and brings together trained San youth and community leaders to share knowledge and strengthen capacity at grassroots level.
Four young San women who received training through the Small Grants Programme and the Canadian Local Initiatives Fund, are facilitating the workshops with enthusiasm and cultural sensitivity. They are joined by members of the LAC San Paralegal Trainee Group, who are participating under the EU-funded project “Empowering San Communities – Legal Capacity Building for Human Rights Access.”
The collaboration highlights the shared commitment of DRFN and LAC to improving access to justice, promoting social inclusion, and advancing sustainable livelihoods. Through these efforts, the two organisations aim to amplify community voices and foster stronger local leadership.
LAC’s trained San paralegals are contributing their experience in human rights advocacy, access to justice, and youth and women’s empowerment during the sessions. The outreach also encourages peer learning between San communities from Tsumkwe and Omaheke, while helping prepare the paralegals for fieldwork.
“This collaboration allows us to combine our strengths to make empowerment practical and meaningful for San communities,” said Belinda Thanises, Project Coordinator at DRFN.
“LAC is proud to support DRFN’s leadership in this initiative, which is building stronger, more confident communities,” added Santos Joas, Project Consultant at LAC.