Windhoek – Lucia Hamata, a blind teacher at Eluwa Special School in Oshana region in the northern part of Namibia aspired to advance and diversify her knowledge. She, however, struggled to access content in braille in the area.
The Oshana Regional Education Directorate in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture recently rolled out satellite library services at the school as part of the access to information and libraries for all initiative.
The initiative was an eye-opener for Hamata, referring to it as a first for her to observe a campaign oriented around inclusivity in libraries in the area, and that comes to people with disabilities.
“We did not know that the library offers books and learning materials for people with disabilities. It was never done in the past,” she said.
The special services offered as part of the Oshana Regional Resource Centre include content in braille, audio material as well as teaching and learning aids amongst others. However, not all libraries across the country are well-equipped.
“The current situation is that we do not have adequate braille books or audio materials in all our Libraries. We, however, have identified that need and address it,” Hamwaalwa said.
“Promoting services based on the principles of inclusivity aids in shunning stereotypes and discrimination about disabilities and access to information, hence the importance of the initiative,” she said.
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