A home of hope

ELLEN JACOBS WRITES ON BEHALF OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE LIVING WATER VILLAGE HOME OF HOPE AND HEALING:In 1997 the government of Namibia adopted a national policy on disability, aimed at improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities and ensuring they enjoy the same rights and opportunities like other citizens. To monitor the implementation of said policy, Namibia passed Act 27 of 2004.Understandably, although there are several organisations in Namibia addressing the needs of disabled persons and their families, there are still many persons who desperately need programmes and/or services to assist with improving their quality of life.Considering the above-mentioned background, current situation, and the future of disabled persons in Namibia, we are convinced that a project like the one we are proposing is not only essential, but one that will surely receive great support and investment from the public at large.Also, since a similar project or programme does not exist in Namibia at all, the Living Water Village Home of Hope and Healing will set the standard and will be especially committed to being an agent of positive change.MISSION AND VISIONThe mission of our organisation is to challenge and remove barriers from the environment so that people with disabilities can develop and enjoy their unique talents. We want to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families through the provision of accommodation and work programmes with the emphasis on inclusion, full participation and independent choice. In short, we want persons with disabilities to feel a sense of belonging, to have self-respect, show respect to other people, identify and develop their talents, and (when possible) become independent and valued members of society.Our vision is to create a Namibian society which is sensitive and aware of the challenges encountered by persons with disabilities and empowering them to take control of their lives and achieve full in society.All disabled people, regardless of their disability, can enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Land of the Brave.We humbly aim to take the perspective of persons with disabilities to new heights, from viewing disabled people as “objects” of charity, medical treatment and protection to viewing persons with disabilities as individuals with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent, becoming active and productive members of society. Persons with disabilities will participate in the development and operation of the project.Our board of seven, proudly Namibian members bring vast professional expertise in management, fundraising, policy development, campaigning, and advocacy.The potential staff of Living Water Village, Home of Hope and Healing, will include persons with and without disabilities.PROGRAMMESThe programmes and services offered by Living Water Village Home of Hope and Healing will be open to persons with a variety of disabilities between the ages of 18 and 55.We will holistically evaluate the needs and requirements of each resident to guarantee individualised approaches related to each person's unique abilities and needs.A 140Ha plot in the Otjozondjupa Region is currently available for purchase and have strong water source, adequate land for irrigation projects, ample space for vegetable tunnels and processing areas, fruit orchards, dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, geese and horses and large work areas where residents will be able to learn (and practice) various skills.With regular and open consultation sessions, our support team will evaluate, develop, and report on essential improvements that can and should be made to improve the lives of all persons with disabilities and their families.Our findings will be relayed to the Governor of the Otjozondjupa Region as well as the office of Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, who have graciously granted us the support of her office, the Office of the Vice-President and the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare.Tackling one of the biggest challenges with disabled persons, our team will facilitate and provide psychological and social support that will ultimately enable disabled persons to live independently.PRACTICAL SKILLSBy teaching our residents practical skills we aim to further prepare disabled people to confidently join the general workforce. We believe those skills like welding, woodwork, cultivating, cooking etc. and some knowledge about mechanical and business operations, (like laundry management) will greatly assist disabled people to earn an income and support themselves financially.We will have three shops connected to our project: two on site and one in Okahandja.Our on-site kiosk will provide essentials for all residents' personal and daily needs while in the on-site shop and shop in Okahandja, we will sell handmade products like fresh and pickled products, wood-and-steel products, arts and crafts, flowers, vegetable seedlings and young fruit trees, to visitors.At Living Water Village we aim to be as self-sufficient as possible and will grow and produce our own vegetables, fruits, meat, milk and eggs. Our long-term goal is to be productive enough that our products can be sold to help supplement our finances.There will be registered medical staff on the premises 24/7, with strict adherence to all health and safety guidelines.Our rehabilitation programmes will include swimming, sports (tennis) and horse ridingUseful and important information about Living Water Village will be shared via various and convenient media formats.We furthermore plan to build and offer overnight accommodation (self-catering) that can be rented by parents, family or friends visiting their loved ones.We will participate in several local and international fundraising initiatives and will actively continue to seek sponsors, donors and innovative and cost-effective ways to raise additional funds to support the core activities of the organisation.An estimated monthly contribution by each resident will supplement our cash flow and provide assurance of future income generated via this stream.We are approaching organizations for donations to purchase the plot.The Living Water Village, Home of Hope and Healing project has the approval and support of the Deputy Minister of Disability, Honourable Alexia Manombe-Ncube.It is our greatest hope and sincere trust that our vision to build a sustainable haven, which offers income and work opportunities for disabled persons, will soon realise in Namibia. We humbly request assistance, in any way interested parties see fit to make this project a reality.

A home of hope

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Republikein 2026-02-03

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A home of hope

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Republikein 2026-02-03

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