Providing a space where people are given a fair chance to learn skills and therefore create the life of their dreams is what the Nomad Spa’s Academy is looking for do, especially when it comes to women who are visually impaired. It was the owner of Nomad Spa, Mariane Akwenye’s dream that has given these women the freedom to be. 99FM’s MYD Heart spoke to Marianne about this program and also how massage doesn’t require sight to be incredible.
99FM’s MYD Heart asked :
Tell us about Nomad Spa program to help the visually impaired?
“Nomad Spa Academy’s objective is to give a skill to those who come from a disadvantaged background. It was during one of these training sessions when our head therapists was asking the trainees to close their eyes, and be in tune with the body. I would say I had an ‘aha‘ moment right there and I thought to myself, What happens to the visually impaired ladies and would this not be the perfect career for them?”
“The entrepreneur in me took over and researched to find similar programs across the 
globe. I researched for training methods etc. There is very little out there honestly. I was compelled to do something, and I took on this project not really knowing what I was getting into. This is how we started a year ago.”
Why did you begin this program?
“I was compelled to do something about it and especially the more I go to know about their plight. With our historic background, most of these girls are at villages as they are deemed a ‘burden’ for their families. For the families that want to help and improve on the lives they find that there are not many options out there. I could have turned a blind eye (so to say) and continued on my business but, there was a deeper force directing me to this.”
What do you intend to achieve with this program?
“Now that I’m in it, I want it to be a beacon of hope for the visually impaired not only in Namibia but on the Continent, as there is really nothing when it comes to the Wellness industry.”
What successes has the program enjoyed thus far?
“I am so proud of our first set of intakes. We have now successfully employed two of the first intake. The most significant though, is the life transformation these ladies have undergone. Their confidence has improved, their dreams have been revived and they now have a sense of permission to LIVE a life of possibility.”
How is knowing yourself important when serving others?
“I think the act of selflessness is key and so is knowing that when you are able to help your fellow human being that you. This sense of Ubuntu is what the essence of life is about. When you know yourself there is no sense of jealousy or selfishness, it is pure freedom.”
Nomad Day Spa won the Africa’s Best Day Spa award 2015 in the World Spa Awards.
If you want to get in touch with Nomad Spa, you can through their Facebook page by clicking here : Nomad Spa
Or by calling their number +264 (0) 83 336 6623