Side by Side is a registered non-profit organization under Section 21 (Reg. Number: 21/2013/0487) founded by Sandra Hollweg and Anita Nangombe. They started and funded this project mainly through German donors. Sandra, the former director of Side by Side, used her profession and knowledge to create a strong supporting system within the harsh environment of the township communities. Due to the lack of support for Early Intervention and Pre – primary education for children disabilities, her investment over the last years has made a tremendous impact in this communities. Her passion for children with disabilities and their development is contagious and inspirational.
In December 2017 Sandra Hollweg returned to Germany and Huipie van Wyk took up the position. As a mother of a child with a Severe Disability she understands the importance of Support in the community but mostly in the medical field. She is using her drive, knowledge, experience and contacts she has gained over the last 7 years to improve the services that Side by Side offers and to maintain the pace at which the Centre needs to grow to meet the demands of the community and the children of Namibia with disabilities.Â
In addition to our core mission of early intervention, Side by Side also serves as an educational resource hub, offering workshops and informational sessions to empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the journey of raising a child with a disability. Through these initiatives, we strive to build a network of support that extends beyond the walls of our center, creating lasting positive impacts in the lives of the children and their families.
Side by Side Early Intervention Centre is not just a place; it’s a haven where hope, inclusion, and growth converge to shape a brighter future for every child we serve.
Through ADVOCACY we hope to strengthen services of EARLY DETECTION, EARLY INTERVENTION, AND COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION. We believe that every child with a disability has the right to:
We will strengthen early screening and referral systems so that children with developmental delays are identified early and receive timely therapy and intervention support.
We aim to support ECD centres and schools to become fully inclusive in the true sense of inclusion—ensuring access to quality education, social participation, and appropriate physical and learning support, including strengthened health awareness and support systems within schools.
We will expand community-based rehabilitation by training and exposing students and staff to community-level therapy and rehabilitation, bringing services closer to families and strengthening inclusion in everyday environments.
We will prepare young people with disabilities for adulthood through life skills training, pre-vocational programs, and opportunities for community participation and increased independence.
We will expand developmental screening and referral partnerships with Ministry and other NGO’s and ECD centres to ensure earlier identification of children needing support.
We will begin targeted training and mentorship for selected ECD centres and schools to improve inclusive education practices, including learning, social participation, and basic health awareness support.
We will increase access to therapy and learning support through improved intake systems, reduced waiting times, and strengthened individual support planning for children.
We will expose students and staff to community-based rehabilitation practices through outreach activities, home visits, and community-level service learning.
We will expand structured parent training, support groups, and counselling services to build caregiver skills, resilience, and active participation in their child’s development.
Our team is made up of a passionate and highly skilled group of professionals committed to improving the quality of life of children with disabilities and their families. We bring together Occupational Therapists, Therapeutic Reflexologists, Social Workers, Teachers, Class Assistants, experienced Counsellors, as well as dedicated administrative and support staff. Each member contributes unique expertise, working collaboratively across disciplines to deliver holistic, child-centred services.
In addition, we are strengthened by collaboration partners from universities and other NGOs, who support quality service delivery, research, and student training and supervision. We are also enriched by international volunteers through the Volunta Program from Germany, who join our team annually for one-year placements, bringing fresh perspectives, skills exchange, and meaningful support to our programs.
Guided by a shared vision of inclusion, dignity, and empowerment, our team is united by purpose and driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
