A former volunteer at the Kufamosha Information Disability Centre in the Omuthiya Constituency is among trainees undergoing a three-month basic orientation training at the National Youth Service Centre in Rietfontein, Otjozondjupa Region. 

Twenty-four-year-old Martha Junias, who was born with a physical disability, will be a member of the Namibian Correctional Service as a correctional officer, which she describes as a life-changing opportunity. 

One month into her training, NBC News caught up with Junias, who said she has embraced the daily routine and the physical activities that form part of the training.

"The activity I enjoy most is jogging/running, among others. We wake up at 3 in the morning to run – during the week, while on weekends we get up at five in the morning, instilling discipline. I am urging the fellow trainees to remain determined until the pass-out parade."

The Commandant at the Rietfontein National Youth Service Training Centre, Assistant Commissioner Martha Namupala-Elago, said the recruitment of people with disabilities into the Correctional Service was a visionary initiative of the Commissioner General of the Namibian Correctional Service, Raphael Hamunyela.

This aligns with the Sixth National Development Plan objective of inclusivity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on reducing inequalities. 

"The group currently undergoing training is the second cohort of individuals with dwarfism who will be joining the Namibian Correctional Service upon the successful completion of their three-month basic orientation course. After finishing their training, they will be assigned to various correctional institutions based on their abilities, qualifications, and interests."

There are currently 303 trainees undergoing the Correctional Service training, with107 being female and 196 male.