GWNDA — Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) has called for stronger measures to uphold the rights of people who are deaf, citing skills development and inclusive employment as critical pathways to economic independence.
The call comes as Zimbabwe commemorates Deaf Awareness Month 2026 under the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”
For almost six years, NFT has supported 18 young people who are deaf with vocational training in carpentry, hairdressing, welding and agriculture.
About 85 percent of those who completed the training have gone on to establish their own businesses, while others have secured opportunities in the public and private sectors.
NFT is also supporting the education of younger learners, with 15 deaf pupils currently attending primary school.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Dr Pick Nkomwa, said the figures demonstrated the importance of turning human rights commitments into practical opportunities.
“Real interventions should reflect impact. We are so grateful for the milestones made so far, but we must continue asking ourselves whether our interventions are changing lives in a sustainable way,” Dr Nkomwa said.
He said while skills development was opening opportunities for young people who are deaf, barriers to employment and economic participation remained a concern.
“Human rights must translate into real opportunities. A person who is deaf who has acquired skills must have an equal opportunity to use those skills, secure employment, establish a business and contribute to the community,” he said.
NFT said limited employment opportunities continued to affect people who are deaf despite their skills and capabilities.
The organisation called for greater collaboration among the Government, the private sector, development partners, training institutions, and communities to promote inclusive employment, entrepreneurship, and access to education.
NFT said the rights of people who are deaf should not be viewed as a matter of charity or goodwill, but as fundamental human rights requiring respect, protection and practical implementation.
The organisation said its experience showed that providing young people who are deaf with appropriate skills and opportunities could enable them to become entrepreneurs, employees and active contributors to their communities and the wider economy.
As Deaf Awareness Month continues, NFT is calling for greater emphasis on rights, accessibility, equal opportunity, dignity and participation, rather than awareness alone.
“Awareness is important, but rights must be lived. Inclusion becomes meaningful when people who are deaf can learn, work, do business and participate in society on an equal basis,” Dr Nkomwa said.
