There are around 32,000 Namibians who are visually impaired. These individuals face many challenges to find stable employment, such as ignorance, social stigma and limited access to educational programmes. Employers that strive towards inclusion are not commonplace. However, one company in the business of rejuvenation is rewriting the script. Nomad Wellness Homestead is a sanctuary of relaxation in the capital city of Windhoek. It is not purely focused on tranquillity, though, as it also has an ethos of inclusion.

Mariane Akwenye, the founder and director of Nomad Institute, explains that it was during a training session that she had an “aha” moment after their head therapist asked her trainees to close their eyes and be in tune with their bodies. She then thought to herself, “What happens to the visually impaired ladies and would this not be the perfect career for them?” After researching and finding out how few training programmes there are for the visually impaired, she felt compelled to act.

Mekeliwa Hamunyela, a trainee at Nomad, says, “Receiving training in this field is quite exciting. I was always one of those disadvantaged people, not able to do anything but wait for someone to provide for me, but now I see that disability is an ability. We are all human and able to move and do something with our own hands.”

Adeline Serakoane, the head of training at Nomad Institute, notes, “These women have so much that they want to achieve in their lives, so it is a great opportunity for me to actually have an impact in their lives and make sure that they become the best therapists out there in the industry.” This programme is offering hope and a future to many Namibian women, such as Miriam Kamberipa, a trainee at Nomad. “This is not a field that I ever would have thought of. Sitting at home, no one would help me with anything, but coming to this training I now know that not only working here at the spa, but wherever I will be, this (training) will help me put bread on the table,” she says.

The programme aligns to Debmarine Namibia social investment pillar Accelerating Equal Opportunity. Debmarine Namibia, is committed to accelerating equal opportunity, through economic inclusion and the support of diverse voices, we can help empower every individual to take meaningful action, to help shape the future of our communities and societies. Akwenye says of the support she has received, “I feel deeply humbled and honoured. It makes me realise that we can all make a difference.” Looking at the impact that this support has had, she explains, “It has enabled us to train multiple women at the same time and have several new entries throughout the year. We are immensely grateful.”

On behalf of Debmarine Namibia, senior manager Stanford Isaacs says, “In a world that often underestimates the capability of visually impaired individuals, it is our responsibility to provide opportunities for empowerment. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to excel, despite any physical limitations they may face. It is through initiatives like this that we make a tangible difference.”

By sponsoring the programme, Debmarine Namibia enables the participating women to pursue careers that emphasise human connection and healing. TNN