Windhoek, Aug 22 — President Nangolo Mbumba, Patron of the Federation of Visually Impaired yesterday delivered the keynote address during a Gala Dinner of the Federation. President Mbumba has been a Patron of the Federation since 1997 commuted the Government to work together towards the inclusion of visually impaired persons by removing all social, physical, and economic barriers that hinder their developmental ambitions and social progression.
President Mbumba’s full keynote address is as follows:
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. NANGOLO MBUMBA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE GALA DINNER OF THE NAMIBIAN FEDERATION OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (NFVI)
WINDHOEK
21 AUGUST 2024
1. Tonight, on this special evening, we are gathered to show solidarity to our fellow citizens who live with disabilities, in particular those with visual impairments, including persons with albinism, who often experience significant vulnerabilities.
2. This is an exercise that is close to my heart because not only do I believe that every human being on this planet is born with innate potential and ability, I am also a firm believer that disability is not inability and thus not an obstacle to success. Therefore, all human beings with disabilities should be supported to pursue their dreams to the fullest extent. For this reason, I cherish having served as the Patron of the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired (NFVI) for approximately 20 years.
3. This gala dinner event is part of an initiative to generate funds for the NFVI, and I thank you all for having taken the time to be here tonight. Your presence here is highly appreciated and your contributions and generous support for this noble cause will go a long way in supporting the improvement of the quality of life for persons with visual impairments.
4. The Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired was established in 1986 with the support of the Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired (FFVI). It is affiliated with the Namibia Federation of People with Disability in Namibia (NFPDN), the World Blind Union (WBU), and the African Blind Union (AFUB).
5. NFVI has contributed significantly to advancing the cause of those living with visual impairments by offering services and advocacy for over 35 years. The Federation provides comprehensive mobility and rehabilitation training including in massage therapy, arts and crafts and others, and services such as brailing. To date, the Rehabilitation and Mobility Training Programme has provided services to approximately 2000 individuals with visual impairments and caretakers since inception in 2010.
6. Furthermore, I am informed that the Federation has a staff complement of 20 people, the majority of whom are persons with visual impairments. The Federation, which currently consists of 16,500 members, also operates five regional offices in Oshikoto, Kavango, //Karas, Khomas and Zambezi Regions, as well as youth and women’s leagues to reach out to many individuals with visual impairments in all regions.
Ladies and gentlemen,
7. In May this year, I had the pleasure to visit the NFVI office in my capacity as a patron, to better understand and discuss the federation’s plans for the upcoming 2024/2025 financial year. As a means of raising funds to support the organisation’s self-sustainable initiatives, the organising of this fundraising dinner was one of the main topics on the agenda. As a result, I encourage each one of you here tonight to play your part and answer the call of the visually impaired, by giving generously.
8. The problems and challenges faced by persons with visual impairments in Namibia require a collective and concerted effort by government, private sector, civil society and citizens, including those living with disabilities. We must work together towards the inclusion of visually impaired persons by removing all social, physical, and economic barriers that hinder their developmental ambitions and social progression. In this regard, I am pleased with the progress made by the Federation. I am aware that the process of providing services and advocacy is not an easy task but as they say, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Therefore, let us all willingly play our part in opening the way towards a better life and greater opportunities for our visually impaired fellow citizens.
9. We are proud of the fact that as a nation, we have developed a legal framework related to disability, including the National Policy on Disability, the National Disability Council Act, and the endorsement of African Union and United Nations declarations and conventions. However, there is still more to be done to ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded equal and equitable rights and opportunities to lead a consistent quality of life in employment, education and health services.
Ladies and gentlemen,
10. Before I conclude my address, I would like to leave you with a quote from the renowned music artist Stevie Wonder, who once said, “Just because a man/woman lacks the use of his/her eyes doesn’t mean he/she lacks vision.” Indeed, our visually impaired brothers and sisters are visionaries and dreamers just like those of us who have the ability to see. Let us therefore seize this opportunity to provide a helping hand so that they, like the rest of us, can pursue their dreams and their visions. By so doing, we will be, “Creating a society for all, a society that recognises individual differences and acknowledges common humanity and equality.” Let us continue to ensure that both the able-bodied and the disabled are all part of this ONE NAMIBIA, ONE NATION.
11. Thank you for your presence, and for your generous giving to ensure equality for all persons with visual impairments and help improve their living conditions.
I thank you.
Photo: Namibian Presidency
African Youth Newspaper
