A rehabilitation- and vocational training centre for physically challenged Namibians between the ages of 18 and 55, are planned near Otjiwarongo. The newly established non-profitable organisation, Living Water Village, has initiated the project and is appealing for the public and institutions to support this initiative financially.
Living Water Village says the project is unique in the sense that it plays a dual role – firstly to assist with the rehabilitation of persons with disability, and offering a vocational training facility where the disabled person develops skills in a variety of disciplines to be able to carve out a new life. The purchase of a portion of a farm near Otjiwarongo, measuring 140 hectares, is Living Water Village’s first priority. An amount of N$15 million is needed, whilst the second phase project, the development of the rehabilitation and vocational facilities, will require a further N$40 million, according to an information package that was supplied to Namib Times.
Through rehabilitation and vocational training, Living Water Village wants to be an agent of positive change to people living with disabilities. Although there are several institutions in Namibia caring for the disabled, this project wants to bring a new perspective to persons living with disabilities. It would enable the disabled person to begin a new, self-fulfilling live. In its mission statement Living Water Village says it wants to work towards a Namibian society this is sensitive and aware of the challenges facing persons living with disability. It wants to empower them to take control of their lives and achieve full participation in Living Water Village and also the wider society.
One of the main elements of the project will be an irrigation scheme, vegetable tunnels, processing areas, fruit orchards dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, gees and horses. People living at Living Water Village will be supported with training to be able to take part in these agri-production activities.
In addition, other skills development will also take place to enable people living at Living Water Village to be able to earn and income once they leave. These include welding, woodwork, cultivation, basic mechanical skills and business operations skills. “At Living Water Village, we aim to be as self-sufficient as possible and will grow and produce our vegetables, fruits, meat, milk and eggs. Our long-term goal is to be sufficiently productive to sell excess produce, to supplement finances”, it is explained.
Rehabilitation programmes will include swimming, light sport like tennis and horse riding.
Medical staff will be employed on a full-time basis to cater for the needs of those undergoing rehabilitation and to ensure the general health of all are kept at highest possible standard.
One of the secondary phases to the project is the establishment of self-catering accommodation units for family and friends who come and visit their loved ones at the facility.
“It is our greatest hope and sincere trust that our vision will realise of creating a sustainable haven, which offers income and work opportunities for disabled persons.
Note: this Project is endorsed by the Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs Alexia Manombe-Ncube, in the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare.
Further inquiries can be lodged to Mrs. Ellen Jacobs (who acts on behalf of the project’s management). She can be reached at 081 208 0390 or 081 466 1715.