Katima mulilo: The National Assembly Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Welfare, led by acting chairperson Christine Haindaka, visited the Cheshire Home in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region, as part of a two-day oversight mission. The visit is aimed at evaluating the operation of facilities for children with physical disabilities in accordance with standards set by the Ministry of Gender Equality.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the committee, which includes members of parliament Aina Kondi and Bonnie Susiku, will also visit Zion Village, Liselo Visually Impaired, and the Mainstream Foundation in the Chotto Compound. This initiative focuses on safety, infrastructure, nutrition, healthcare, education, and psychosocial support to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

During the visit, Haindaka emphasized the importance of ensuring that national laws are effective for the people. "As MPs, our job is to make sure our country's laws work for the people. We are here to listen, to learn, and to look at how the Child Care and Protection Act is being put into action," she stated. Haindaka also noted the importance of sharing experiences and reporting back to the National Assembly for further recommendations.

Judith Czyzewske, vice matron at Cheshire Home, highlighted funding as a significant challenge. The institution, operational for over 30 years, primarily receives subsidies for children with physical disabilities from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. However, these funds are often delayed, necessitating reliance on international support from Germany, Switzerland, and South Africa.

The financial challenges have led to a decrease in the number of children housed at the institution, from 34 last year to 29 this year. The children attend nearby primary and secondary schools. The delegation was accompanied by regional social workers from the Gender Ministry.