Journey to independence
Recovery process after horrific accident
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF) is assisting a 12-year-old boy on his long road to recovery.
12-year-old Junias Shafuda's life changed irrevocably on 12 August 2020 after a head-on collision."He was in intensive care for almost two months and I thought he would never be the same again," says his father, Nehemia.
Still, Junias, who lives with his parents in Windhoek, is now a story of hope, courage and an example of overcoming obstacles.
Junias suffered multiple injuries and trauma to his spine during the accident, which left him dependent on other people to perform even just daily activities, such as eating, dressing and using the toilet.
However, with incredible willpower and the support of his family and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF), he was able to put himself back on the road to recovery.
After months of intensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy, Junias is regaining his independence, one day at a time.
Although this 7th grade student is in a wheelchair as his lower limbs are paralyzed due to the accident, he is now able to carry out some daily activities by himself.
He uses his wheelchair himself and although he can no longer walk, he is grateful that he still has the use of his hands to throw a ball and play with friends.
Junias' main goal was to go back to school. He achieved this goal a few months after his accident and is currently a proud 7th grade student.
"I am happy for what the MVAF has done for me. They fixed our house and gave me a wheelchair, so I could go back to school," says Junias.
The MVAF adapted Junias' home in Wanaheda, Katutura to allow him to move around independently and safely.
Nehemia encourages the fund to continue helping accident victims in this way.
"I am happy with the support that the fund has offered my son since the accident," he says.
"Now - after rehabilitation - Junias is a happy boy who likes to throw a ball with other children. He is smart and behaves well," adds Nehemiah.
He says Junias is currently experiencing no obstacles on his recovery path, thanks to the MVAF's case manager.
"When we have a problem, we call his case manager and she makes sure the problem is solved immediately. We are grateful for her help," he says.
"The road to recovery is not easy, so it remains the fund's priority to ensure that seriously injured persons receive optimal support in their journey to become independent again," says the MVAF's communications manager, Hilaria Graig.
She encourages everyone to maintain good behavior on Namibia's roads, to obey traffic rules and to report all accidents to 9682 promptly," she said.