We serve children and youth living with disabilities

We are place of hope and strength. A place where you are not defined by your disability but by your #thisability and your unique contribution to the world.

Everything we do is premised on a strength-based approach to push every individual forward to their greatest potential. At Sunshine, our motto is to empower, equip and educate.

Starting with only 9 differently abled children in 1996

We now provide direct services to more than 150 children, youth and adults on a monthly basis, and we reach many more indirectly. We continue to grow and push the boundaries to ensure that every child, young person or adult living with a disability are included and live meaningful lives.

Starting with only 9 differently abled children in 1996 article background image

Towards Sunshine's 30 year anniversary: 2026

  • Improved facilities that more effectively support our educational, therapy, training, livelihoods development and psychosocial interventions.
  • Strengthened programmes across the board that lead to improved outcomes for disability education, societal inclusion and empowerment and job market inclusion.
  • Greater organizational sustainability through stronger partnerships and collaboration.

Beyond 2026

Inching closer, year by year, towards our vision to be a place of hope and strength for people with disabilities in Walvis Bay and beyond. This will include development across our current programmes and expansion to other relevant and feasible disability empowerment programmes.

Beyond 2026 article background image

Our Board Members

  • Ms Barbara Van Rooyen - Chairperson

    Retired government Senior Social Work Manager. Founding member of the Walvis Bay Child and Family Centre.

  • Ms Elsa Murangi

    Retired Founding Director of the Walvis Bay Child and Family Centre.

  • Ms Brumilda Britz

    Human Resources and Legal Specialist

  • Mr Leon Louw

    Community leader

  • Mr Mario Thaniseb

    Disability and community activist

  • Mr Linwill Van Wyk

    Police officer and disability advocate

  • Ms Irma Swart

    Retired Special Needs Teacher

  • Ex-officio: Ms Luzelle Lestrade

    Executive Director of the WBCFC, Nov 2021 till present. Previously worked for the United Nations for 10 years in Southern and Eastern Africa in humanitarian and development affairs, and also has extensive development consulting experience.

  • Ms Gail Taukuheke

    Secretary to Board of Directors. Social Worker with the Ministry of Healt and Social Services. Engaged as Programme Manager of Sunshine's psychosocial, training and social enterprises programme.