COHA Namibia: Pioneering Inclusive Education in Namibia

A journey rooted in resilience

Article by Frieda Mukufa

With March being International Women’s Month, I am happy to have read about phenomenal women doing amazing things. I particularly appreciate it because this article carries so much love and appreciation for women, and what better way to celebrate those who raised us than to write about them? This issue, however, places focus on Autism, a condition that is also commemorated on the 2^nd of April. 

Born and raised in the heart of Mondesa, Swakopmund, life was never easy for the founder of COHA Namibia. Growing up in a home where her mother worked multiple cleaning jobs to make ends meet, Victoria Joel learned responsibility early. By the time she was ten, she had already taken on the role of a second mother to her younger sister. While other children played in the streets, she was busy with house chores, learning her mother’s values of resilience, hard work and discipline.

Fortunately, her mother’s permanent employers took them in as their godchildren, exposing her to a world far beyond Mondesa. This experience shaped her mindset, instilling a boundless sense of possibility and a drive to think beyond limitations. From drafting her first book as a child to hosting the first-ever Fun Day for people with disabilities, she was often seen as different—sometimes even ‘weird’—by her peers. However, for her, that difference became her strength.

From Passion to Profession

Victoria’s journey into special needs education was not by chance but by passion. Initially committed to working with people living with disabilities, her understanding deepened when she received specialised training from a senior expert from Germany, focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities. After this training, she became fascinated by the intelligence and unique abilities of children on the spectrum, further igniting her mission.

While volunteering at a government special resource school, she encountered parents who were desperate for placement opportunities for their autistic children. Many pleaded with her to start a school, as existing institutions could not accommodate their children’s needs. That was the defining moment that led to the establishment of COHA Namibia.

Filling the Gap in Education

COHA Namibia, Circle of Hope Private Academy, is the only inclusive private school in northern Namibia. With a mission to provide personalised education tailored to each child’s unique learning style, it also exists to ensure no child is left behind.

The journey to establishing COHA was not without challenges. Funding was a significant hurdle, and initial resistance from the community and some education officials posed setbacks. This was mainly because many people lacked awareness of special needs education and held the misconception that children with autism could not be taught. However, through persistence and education, these obstacles were overcome.

The early days of COHA were difficult. Stigma and misconceptions discouraged parents from enrolling their children, resulting in only two learners in the first year. Lack of resources was another challenge, as teaching learners with special needs requires specialised materials.

Funding came from a supportive partner who contributed capital to source initial resources, and donations were sought from companies and individuals. Over time, efforts gained traction, and support started growing.

One of the biggest misconceptions about autism is that these children cannot learn. Especially from a traditional context, autism didn’t have a name, only a derogatory term to reference the lack of cognisance. COHA actively works to change this narrative through community awareness initiatives and showcasing students’ progress. Witnessing learners improve in behaviour, social interaction and academics is one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. 

A Specialised Approach to Learning

COHA Namibia takes a structured, individualised approach to education. This approach assesses each child’s learning style, and teaching methods are adjusted accordingly. Since many learners have a limited attention span, lessons are broken into smaller, digestible steps. Practical and visual learning is prioritised, proving highly effective.

Parents and caregivers also play a vital role in this process. As partners in the holistic teaching approach, they reinforce learning at home, ensuring continuity and better results. Additionally, COHA incorporates methods that focus on hands-on learning and tapping into each child’s interests to sustain engagement.

Looking ahead, COHA Namibia aims to expand into a fully equipped institute, offering cutting-edge facilities and resources to enhance inclusive education. The goal is to establish COHA as an international centre for inclusive learning, attracting student teachers and professionals worldwide to learn from its model.

COHA seeks support from government partnerships, the private sector and community stakeholders to realise this vision. A public-private partnership would provide quality education to a larger community at a more affordable cost.

A Message to Parents and Society

Parents struggling to find the proper support for their autistic children are not alone. Connecting with other parents with similar experiences can lead to valuable referrals for doctors and institutions that provide the appropriate guidance. However, it is essential to remember that every child on the spectrum is unique and requires individualised support.

To society, inclusive education is the foundation of an inclusive Namibia. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive. We can build a stronger, more accepting community for all by embracing and supporting inclusive education.

COHA Namibia stands as a beacon of hope, proving that every child has the potential to learn, grow and succeed—regardless of their challenges. Together, we can create a future where no child is left behind.