Inclusive Employment for Deaf Professionals

In Zimbabwe, Deaf individuals continue to face significant barriers when it comes to accessing formal employment opportunities. Discrimination and the need for special adjustments from employers often leave them underrepresented in various industries. Many Deaf individuals find themselves relegated to manual labor jobs or struggling with unemployment, unable to showcase their true potential.

However, Nzeve continues its mission to change this narrative. Through the "Inclusive Employment for Deaf Professionals" initiative, we aim to empower Deaf individuals in Manicaland by providing tailored professional development, mentorship, and meaningful employment opportunities. At the heart of Nzeve's approach lies the belief that Deaf individuals have immense value to contribute as leaders and experts in their own right.

Recently, One of our deaf mentors who was trained to lead Sexual and Reproductive Health sessions for Deaf children has been given the incredible opportunity to join the Youth People’s Network in partnership with National Aids Council. Tadiwa is now a peer educator representing Deaf women and educating them on SRHR information with the use of Sign Language and the aim of bridging the gap between essential Health information and Deaf community. She leads discussions empowering fellow Deaf women with knowledge that is vital for their health and well-being as she conduct Home and school visits. Apart from being a peer to peer Educator, Nzeve has also given Tadiwa the opportunity to join the Early Childhood Development (ECD) for Deaf children as a Voluntary teacher.

She stepped into her voluntary teaching position with enthusiasm and determination. She is responsible for creating engaging lesson plans tailored specifically to the needs of Deaf learners together with their parents. As she teaches, Tadiwa is not only imparting knowledge but also inspiring the fellow deaf children. The children are now looking up to her, seeing in her a reflection of their own potential. With every lesson, she reinforced the idea that Deaf individuals can achieve great things and take on leadership roles within their communities.

Her journey has had a ripple effect in the community. Parents and caregivers of Deaf children have began to recognize that even their Deaf children can be Professionals at work places and can also contribute to the society . They saw the impact that Tadiwa was having not only on their Deaf children but also on the perception of Deaf individuals within society.

As Tadiwa reflected on her experience, she expressed, "Being a voluntary teacher and a peer educator has shown me that I have the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in my community. I want my peers to believe in themselves and know that they can achieve anything."

Through initiatives like this, Nzeve is creating spaces for Deaf individuals to gain valuable experience, build confidence, and become self-advocates. By empowering leaders like Tadiwa, we are challenging the status quo and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. Nzeve’s work underscores the fundamental truth that individuals with disabilities, including the Deaf, have an equal right to meaningful employment and leadership opportunities.