Namibia marks White Cane Day with donations for disabled students
The event, centered around the theme “White Cane: Key to Mobility and Independence,” featured an official handover of educational resources from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Bank BIC Namibia, and the FirstRand Foundation.
UNESCO delivered braille and tactile learning materials, audiovisual equipment, and specialized software valued at N$340,000. These tools will assist roughly 85,000 learners with disabilities across Namibia, enabling teachers to design structured and interactive lessons. Eunice Smith, UNESCO’s country representative, explained that the equipment will serve both current students and future accessibility initiatives in various academic areas.
Bank BIC Namibia donated white canes to enhance student mobility, while the FirstRand Foundation provided sun protection supplies, including hats, sunscreen, and other essentials, worth N$100,000. These contributions directly address practical challenges, such as skin sensitivity and outdoor movement, particularly for learners with albinism.
In her opening address, Minister Dr. Sanet Steenkamp encouraged students to seize opportunities with confidence, emphasizing that dignity and respect are fundamental rights. She acknowledged that while white canes improve independence, physical barriers, such as uneven sidewalks, inaccessible buildings, and unsafe pedestrian crossings, continue to hinder progress.
Steenkamp also urged parents to collaborate closely with schools and educators, who she described as already making significant efforts to support these students.
A Grade 9 student named Manfred, representing peers at the School for the Visually Impaired, shared his perspective during the event. “We experience the world differently, but our aspirations remain unchanged. What we require is not sympathy, but understanding, respect, and equal opportunities.” He stressed that even small acts, considerate language and inclusive attitudes, can profoundly improve daily experiences for visually impaired individuals.
According to local reports, the event also featured a panel discussion on integrating assistive technology into Namibian classrooms, with representatives from the Ministry of Education and UNESCO outlining a five-year plan to expand access. The initiative includes training programs for teachers and the installation of tactile pathways in high-traffic school areas by 2025.
During the closing session, the FirstRand Foundation announced a new scholarship fund covering tuition, assistive devices, and transportation for 50 visually impaired students annually. The fund, launched in partnership with the School for the Visually Impaired, will prioritize learners from low-income households.
Fraudsters Shift to Social Engineering Attacks Targeting Consumers
