The Zvishavane community has been implored to learn sign language so as to bridge the communication barrier that exists between the community and people with hearing impairments.
This comes after Sunrise Sign Language Academy in partnership with Tancy Kids Nest Academy, Deaf Woman Included(DWI) and National Aids Council (NAC) recently held a workshop in Zvishavane, targeting women and girls with hearing impairments.
The workshop which sought to educate part of the Deaf Community on Gender Based Violence, was facilitated by Agnes Chidimba who is also deaf, showing that people with hearing impairments can also lead if given the opportunity.
The women and girls were being trained on forms of gender based violence and what to do when faced with abuse.
In an interview with Women’s Weekly Journal, Tancy Kids Nest Academy team leader, who was also part of the organisers of the workshop Mrs Nancy Bhachi said there is need to create conducive environment for the deaf community.
“Everyone must learn sign language, and local companies and institutions must also employ people with hearing impairments so they can be productive,” she said.
Mrs Bhachi also added that at Tancy Kids Nest Academy and Sunrise Sign Language Academy they offer sign language lessons to bridge the information gap between institutions and the deaf who reside in different wards, thereby creating a society that is accommodative.
Runde Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Gordon Moyo applauded all stakeholders who took part on this platform which proved to be inclusive and informative, and further encouraged that more skills training workshop should be held to ensure independent living opportunities for the deaf community.
Runde RDC also offered their boardroom as a venue for the workshop and pledged to continue ensuring that the deaf are treated like everyone else.
Sunrise Sign Language Academy welcomed this gesture and offered to train all council officials sign language free of charge so the can communicate with the deaf in their respective areas of operation.
Young girls and women with hearing impairments, however, continue to face quite a number of challenges.
“Some never attended school and have invented their own sign language which is difficult to understand, they become vulnerable to abuse. Poverty is also another challenge as they lack access to opportunities and resources,” said Mrs Bhachi.
She added that there is poor flow of information because of language barriers.
“Crucial information does not get to them on time, most of these women and girls are not registered with relevant authorities and they are not benefiting from the aid meant for them because they lack knowledge. Communities should work hand in glove with people with hearing impairments so they are included in decision making processes,” said Mrs Bhachi.
The Zvishavane Deaf Community received PPE from NAC in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government was also applauded for making sign language a national language saying this will help bridging the information gap.
Institutions like Zvishavane Town Council are also leading by example as they have made a move to employ someone who is Deaf as a General hand. It is a unique spirit of inclusivity that is worth emulation by all stakeholders and service providers.
Meanwhile, organizations like Institute for Community Development Zimbabwe (ICOD) and Hands of Hope Trust are working towards ensuring that women with disabilities are included in positions of leadership as well as decision making processes on issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, access to health facilities and socio-economic justice.