Mother gives up livelihood to care for daughter
Elina Ndapewa Iita, a mother from Namibia, has sacrificed her small business and livelihood to provide full-time care for her 20-year-old daughter who suffers from epilepsy. She relies on her daughter's disability grant to cover medical expenses and urges communities to show greater acceptance towards people with disabilities.
Why it matters
This story highlights the immense personal sacrifices made by caregivers for family members with disabilities, and the critical role of social support systems like disability grants. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing education and community acceptance.
ONGWEDIVA – For Elina Ndapewa lita, caring for her 20-year-old daughter who suffers from epilepsy has meant sacrificing her livelihood and dedicating nearly every aspect of her life to ensuring that her child receives the care she needs.
Iita, from the Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency in Oshikoto region, said her daughter began showing symptoms of epilepsy when she was just one year and eight months old.
Over the years, Iita struggled understanding how best to care for a child living with a disability, while frequent illnesses made it difficult for her daughter to remain in school.
“As I have been with her, I have really tried over the years to get her into school, but she eventually had to drop out because she used to get sick too often, especially during the summer season,” she said.
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