For Geziah Coetzee, a top-performing student at WJD Cloete Combined School, the past two years have been a struggle. As her eyesight worsened, reading the chalkboard from her seat became nearly impossible, and her vision would blur every time she entered a sunlit room.
“When my eyes get in contact with the sun, my vision becomes blurry when I walk into class,” she explained. This daily challenge affected her schoolwork and confidence, making it difficult to keep up with her peers.
Geziah’s experience is just one example, as poor eyesight remains a common but often-overlooked barrier for learners in the Hardap region. Recognising the need to address this issue, Sanlam launched the Vision for Change initiative five years ago to provide free vision screenings and prescription glasses to learners in need. This year’s 5th edition of Vision for Change began in May in Aranos, reaching learners across 28 schools in the Hardap region in two phases.
Together with Shaetonhodi Optics, the Sanlam conducted screenings and tests for learners in Aranos, Stampriet, Gochas, Mariental, Hoachanas, Schlip, Klein-Aub, Reitoog and Maltahöhe. Yesterday, the mission reached a milestone in Mariental, where 288 learners received their much-needed glasses at a special handover ceremony at the Teachers’ Resource Hall.
The handover event, attended by the Governor of Hardap and educators from the various schools, underscored the importance of vision in a student’s academic success. Sanlam Group CEO Tertius Stears expressed his pride in the initiative, stating, “Sanlam believes that education is the foundation of a prosperous future. Poor eyesight holds back learners from achieving their full potential. By providing these glasses, we’re allowing them to excel with confidence and clarity.”
Geziah on behalf of other recipients shared her gratitude for the programme’s impact on her life. “Sanlam reaching out and collaborating with Shaetonhodi Optics to test learners in need for free and give those in need free specs is very commendable. I’m thankful for that,” she said.
With an investment of over N$480,000 this year, Sanlam’s Vision for Change initiative set up mobile testing stations at each participating school, ensuring access to eye care for students who may not have it otherwise. Together, Sanlam and Shaetonhodi Optics travelled over 2,400 kilometres to reach these communities. Mrs. Shaetonhodi of Shaetonhodi Optics noted, “Each pair of glasses is a doorway to a brighter future. With a clear vision, learners can engage fully in school, improve academically, and gain confidence. It’s deeply rewarding to know we’re helping these young people succeed.”
Juanitha Motinga, Chief Education Officer for Professional Development at the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, emphasised the Ministry’s support and Sanlam’s commitment to education and the transformative power of Vision for Change. “This initiative is about more than just sight; it’s about opening doors and empowering these children. We’re helping them see clearly so they can focus on learning and dream bigger.”
Vision for Change has reached more than 2,000 learners throughout Namibia since its inception in 2017, except for the 520 learners who were evaluated and tested in Hardap this year. Using this initiative, Sanlam remains committed to empowering the next generation, guaranteeing that learners such as Geziah are equipped with the necessary resources to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond. Sanlam is dedicated to the expansion of Vision for Change and is enthusiastic about expanding its presence to additional regions annually, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and optimistic future for Namibia’s youth.