A teen’s campaign for a more accessible Namibia

In 2024, at just 13, Faith Phoenix was already thinking about people facing barriers that limit their opportunities.

That November, she turned that concern into action by founding the Faith Abled Foundation (FAF), a Namibian organisation that promotes inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities for differently abled people.

Phoenix hopes to help build a Namibia where differently abled people have equal opportunities to learn, work, start businesses and take part in community life.

“You do not have to wait until you are older, have all the resources or hold an important title to make a difference,” she said recently.

Now a 15-year-old Grade 9 learner at Windhoek Technical High School, Phoenix, who will turn 16 in November, continues her work on the foundation’s goals, demonstrating how young people can contribute to meaningful change within their communities.

FAF will hold a fundraising event at the Bio Market on 7 November to raise awareness of its work, attract new partners and raise money to expand its programmes.

The foundation supports differently abled people across Namibia and works with their families, caregivers and communities to build a more supportive environment. Its four programmes focus on helping people in need, promoting inclusive education, improving access to public facilities and helping members develop skills and earn an income.

“True inclusion means thinking about the needs of differently abled people from the beginning when planning buildings, services and opportunities, instead of only considering them later,” Phoenix said recently.

Inclusion in action

In 2025, the foundation supported the construction of an access ramp at Okuryangava Clinic, making it easier for people with mobility challenges to enter the facility.

It has also distributed clothes and blankets to differently abled people in Otjinene, Katima Mulilo and Rehoboth. In June 2026, fundraising helped it secure an intensive care unit (ICU) bed for a member in Windhoek.

FAF has 88 registered members across Namibia and seven volunteers. Through a partnership with iExtol Global Management & Consulting, members interested in starting businesses have received training and mentorship in business skills and ways to earn an income.

Partners wanted

Limited funding remains the foundation’s main challenge, Phoenix said.

“It needs money to cover transport costs, community outreach, volunteer stipends and setting up a working office,” she explained.

The foundation is calling on businesses, organisations and individuals to support its work through donations and partnerships. It hopes to work with partners who want to support the community while creating opportunities for differently abled people.

*Additional reporting from Fresh FM’s interview with Faith Phoenix, ‘Listen to Faith Phoenix on Fresh FM’.