Hwange residents learn sign language

MORE than 50 community members last week received training in sign language as part of efforts to promote its use and inclusion of persons with hearing impairment in the national discourse.

Sign language is now part of the 16 languages recognised by the Constitution of the Zimbabwe under Section 6 with human rights activists calling on Government to ensure its promotion.

Sunrise Sign Language Academy has recently been carrying out a training exercise in sign language in Hwange targeting members of the community and public institutions with 55 people receiving certificates following the completion of the course.

According to founder and chairman, Mr Douglas Mapeta, after their graduation the trainees would become lead trainers mandated to carry out trainings in different areas in Matabeleland North Province.

“We specialise in advocacy for different people with disabilities and offer sign language provision. We are in Hwange in support of Government initiatives of leaving no one and no place behind. Persons with hearing impairment and other disabilities have been sidelined for many years but we are saying as an institution who are we not to be there for them to give them the skill so that they could become self reliant,” he said.

He said it was important for Government institutions to embrace sign language within its departments in order to provide inclusive services.

Ms Rosemary Maketo, a beneficiary of the programme commended the project arguing that it would go a long way in bridging the communication gap that hindered Persons with Hearing Impairment to exercise their rights.

National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe vice-chairperson Ms Octavia Phiri said while the programme sought to address among other things communication barriers, more still needed to be done by stakeholders to ensure inclusivity of Persons with Disabilities across all facets of life.