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    Empowering Zimbabwe’s Deaf Community

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    By Thabisani Dube

    In a country where resources and opportunities for the deaf community are scarce, one organisation is working to change the narrative.

    Nzeve, a non-profit based organisation in Manicaland province, has been a beacon of hope for deaf children and adults in Zimbabwe since its founding in 2010. However, the organisation’s ambitions stretch far beyond its home region.

    “We’re committed to serving the deaf community nationwide, not just in our local area,” says Blessing Chaipa, Acting Director of Nzeve. “With more centres, we can empower even more people and drive systemic change.”

    To that end, Nzeve plans to decentralise and expand its services beyond Manicaland in the next 3-5 years. The organisation aims to open additional centres in other provinces, ensuring deaf children and adults across Zimbabwe can access its life-changing programmes.

    Nzeve’s work has earned national recognition, with the organisation partnering with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare as well as several national NGOs. “Our collaborative approach ensures a unified effort to address the needs of the deaf community,” Chaipa explains. In 2021, Nzeve was awarded the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce’s award for Outstanding Contribution to Disability Inclusion, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the field.

    Beyond direct service provision, Nzeve is also a leading voice advocating for the rights of Zimbabwe’s deaf community at the national level. The organisation regularly engages with policymakers and legislators, pushing for inclusive laws and increased resource allocation.

    “We will not rest until the deaf community’s needs are prioritised and their perspectives are represented in decision-making,” Chaipa affirms.

    At the heart of Nzeve’s work is a deep commitment to empowering deaf individuals through education and communication. “Deaf children in Zimbabwe often face discrimination and isolation, which results in a lack of access to education and communication skills,” Chaipa says. “This prevents them from seeking education and justice.”

    To address this, Nzeve has established an early childhood development (ECD) centre specifically for deaf children, where they learn alongside their hearing peers while being empowered with crucial communication skills through sign language.

    “Sign language is crucial for the development and empowerment of deaf children,” Chaipa emphasises. “It allows them to communicate effectively and access education on par with their hearing counterparts.”

    However, the organisation’s work extends far beyond the classroom. Nzeve also tackles the health disparities facing the deaf community, providing age-appropriate and deaf-friendly sexual and reproductive health education through home and school visits.

    “The deaf community often lacks access to inclusive healthcare and effective communication with providers,” Chaipa says. “This puts them at risk of living with untreated illnesses. Our SRHR programme aims to bridge that gap.”

    Nzeve is also working to elevate deaf voices in leadership and decision-making. Through training workshops, the organisation is mentoring deaf community members to become advocates and leaders.

    “The deaf community is severely under represented, with their capacity for prominence constrained by educational and communication barriers,” Chaipa notes. “By empowering deaf leaders, we’re ensuring their perspectives are heard.”

    This year, Nzeve is taking its awareness efforts on the road. On October 26 last month, the organisation hosted a roadshow at Murambinda, Buhera to commemorate International Deaf Day and educate the public about deafness and the challenges faced by the deaf community.

    Nzeve’s work is crucial in a country where the deaf community has long been marginalised and overlooked. By providing access to education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities nationwide, the organisation is empowering individuals and driving systemic change. With continued support, Nzeve’s vision of a more inclusive and equitable Zimbabwe can become a reality.

    New Ziana

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