Irimari stresses inclusion for youth with disabilities

Oshana Governor Elia Irimari has underlined the importance of promoting equality for young people living with disabilities, saying it is not only a moral imperative but also crucial for creating an inclusive and just society.

Irimari made the remarks on Wednesday at a training workshop organised for youth with disabilities from Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto. The workshop is taking place from 10 to 21 July at the Ongwediva Rural Development Centre and is organised by the youth and national service ministry through its disability unit. It is aimed at bringing visibility to youth disability issues.

Remove barriers to uplift

The governor said inclusion and participation are essential to ensuring that young people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and social activities.

"By promoting inclusion, we can help them develop their skills, talents and abilities to their full potential," Irimari said.

Creating accessible environments is essential to promoting equality, the governor emphasised.

This involves the provision of ramps, elevators, accessible transportation, as well as ensuring that public spaces, educational institutions, and workplaces are designed to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities.

"By removing barriers, we can create equal opportunities for young people with disabilities to participate in all areas of life," he stressed, eliciting a round of applause from the participants.

Combatting stigma

Irimari said equal access to quality education and employment is crucial for young people with disabilities to achieve their aspirations and become independent members of society.

"It is essential to empower young people with disabilities to advocate for their rights and to have a say in decisions that affect their lives. By promoting self-advocacy skills, we can enable them to speak up for themselves, challenge discrimination, and access the support and resources they need to thrive," he said.

The governor emphasised that society must work towards eliminating the stigma and discrimination faced by young people with disabilities. He proposed achieving this through widespread awareness campaigns, education, and the cultivation of a culture of acceptance and respect. By challenging negative attitudes and stereotypes, he said, a more inclusive society will be created where everyone is valued and respected.

Governor Irimari further emphasised that promoting equality for young people with disabilities necessitates collaborative efforts among governments, organisations, communities, and individuals.

Challenges persist

Asteria Frans, the Oshikoto regional chairperson for the Namibian Organisation for Youth with Disabilities, said despite their efforts to empower youth and promote inclusion, they still encounter numerous challenges. These challenges include the persistently high rate of unemployment among youth with disabilities and the lack of accessibility to education and health facilities.

"We saw the gap and felt there was a need to tackle all of these challenges and issues. Hopefully it will get better, especially with access to roads and major government buildings," Frans said.

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