What does going to school mean to a deaf child in Zimbabwe? It means acceptance in the family and a chance to learn sign language. This project will reduce the burden of school fees for 50 families of deaf children, and support recovery from the economic effects of Covid-19 lockdown. It will give children continued learning at home and enable them to immediately get back into school when they reopen. Your contributions cover fees and learner packs; parent business training and start up kits.
Negative cultural views of disability affect how families see deaf children & influence whether they will prioritize their education. Only 16 schools provide education for deaf children in the 39,459sq.km that is Manicaland Province. Families that live far away from the schools have no option but to send their child to boarding school which expensive. Without support, families who rely on informal trading will not be able to send deaf children to school due to the effects of Covid lockdown.
Nzeve promotes deaf empowerment & awareness to communities in Manicaland. We support early intervention & education for deaf children. Deaf mentors provide input to the creation of deaf friendly learning resources. Children will receive a learner pack to keep them educationally engaged at home. Our economic strengthening program will train parents in business and income generating projects, giving them the financial independence to keep their deaf child in school.
Education gives deaf children access to language, academic and life skills; opening up greater opportunity for future attainment. Successful deaf mentors play an important role in teaching families about the potential capabilities of their deaf child. As parents develop acceptance and gain financial stability, their confidence in parenting grows. Nzeve parents, deaf staff and volunteers work together to support families who are new to the deaf experience; keeping the impact cycle going.
