Inclusion must lead to jobs, livelihoods
The Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on employers, the private sector and development partners to expand employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with visual impairments, emphasising the need to translate skills development into meaningful jobs, economic independence and sustainable livelihoods. Speaking during a visit on Thursday to Nomad Wellness Academy in Kleine Kuppe in Windhoek, Witbooi emphasised that disability inclusion is a matter of human rights, dignity and equal opportunity, rather than charity.
The academy, founded in 2016 by Namibian entrepreneur Mariane Akwenye, started with four learners and has since grown into a centre promoting skills development, disability inclusion and economic empowerment for persons with visual impairments. The office commended the institution for its contribution to equipping learners with practical skills that can help them achieve greater independence and participate meaningfully in the economy.
According to the speech delivered during the visit, Nomad Wellness Academy, in partnership with the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), offers a Remedial and Medical Massage Level 2 programme.
More than 100 persons with visual impairments have been trained through the programme over the years, with 40 learners enrolled in the 2026 cohort. Witbooi welcomed the initiative but stressed that training should lead to tangible outcomes, including access to jobs, business opportunities and sustainable sources of income. It called on employers and development partners to remove barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in the economy. She further highlighted disability mainstreaming as a human rights-based approach that promotes accessibility and equal opportunities in education, employment, public services and community life. It said disability inclusion is also a priority under Pillar 2, Human Development and Community Resilience, of Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
She further noted that persons with disabilities possess valuable skills, talents and potential that can contribute to national development, adding that they must have equitable access to education, employment and entrepreneurship. Management and staff at the academy were praised for their commitment to improving the lives of persons with visual impairments through education, mentorship and skills development. Trainees were encouraged to remain focused on their goals, pursue excellence and apply their skills with confidence and professionalism. Witbooi urged learners not to allow societal perceptions or the challenges associated with visual impairment to limit their aspirations, emphasising that disability does not determine a person's potential or future.
It reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights, dignity and socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities through practical interventions and strategic partnerships. Witbooi stressed that genuine inclusion must be demonstrated through the removal of barriers and the creation of opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
