Stakeholder coordination is one of the most pertinent strategic objectives which should form part of a strategic plan and needs to be strengthened if Namibia wants to achieve total inclusivity.
These were Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs Alexia Manombe-Ncube’s sentiments while addressing the week-long strategic planning workshop of the Namibian Organisation of Youth with Disabilities (NOYD) at Swakopmund on Monday.
“Given that disability issues are multisectoral, stakeholder coordination is also important in the mainstreaming of persons with disabilities into the socio-economic setup of Namibia.
Furthermore, I understand that the strategic plan is a dynamic policy instrument that requires monitoring, evaluation and regular improvement to respond to a future reality,” she noted.
NOYD was established in 2011 under the wing of the National Youth Council (NYC), with the vision to achieve equal opportunities and equal access to all existing societal systems.
Its mission is to advocate for equal opportunities for youth with disabilities in education, training and employment within Namibia.
The deputy minister encouraged the youth to identify more burning issues that must also be addressed, such as education and employment for youth, especially youth with disabilities.
“You must be practical and clear on how you would want to address these challenges on the ground. We must work strategically and purposefully if we want to make a difference,” she said.
The chairperson of the NOYD’s National Executive Committee, Orben Muluti, at the same occasion stated that the development of NOYD’s first strategic plan will enable them to be better equipped to engage partners as the direction of the organization and its mission are clarified.
“The NOYD leadership equally puts added effort to advocating for representation of youth with disabilities in different sectors to ensure that our voice is included in conversations that will contribute towards development and nation building,” Muluti said.
NYC Vice Chairperson, JP van der Westhuizen, urged the group to work together.
“Everyone’s voice matters, we must never allow ourselves to be divided by our differences because it is in these differences that we find commonalities. Whatever your disability may be, we must recognize each one’s uniqueness,” he noted.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
