Include Us - Zimbabwe Deaf people and Families.

Nzeve is dedicated to assisting parents in maintaining robust support networks by organizing refresher workshops aimed at reminding them of their responsibilities in supporting their deaf children. These workshops also encourage the formation of support groups among parents, fostering financial and emotional assistance to bolster their children's well-being.

 In October 2024, as part of the Early Intervention and Family Support initiative, Nzeve conducted two parent workshops, engaging with a total of 57 parents. One workshop targeted parents with children in Resource Units, while the other focused on parents of Deaf youths enrolled in vocational training at Nzeve. These sessions evaluated the level of parental involvement in existing support groups within their communities and explored the potential for establishing new groups where none existed or revitalizing dormant ones.

 The significance of community support groups was underscored, emphasizing the benefits of collective burden-sharing within such groups. Parents of Deaf youths were encouraged to provide ongoing support to their children, both current students and graduates, aiding them in establishing their own businesses with familial assistance. Discussions with Nzeve officers centered on various forms of support, including emotional, financial, social assistance, information provision, and marketing strategies for their businesses. The workshops highlighted the importance of allowing children to pursue their passions rather than coercing them into unsuitable career paths.

During one of the workshops, a parent shared, One parent shared, "I was struggling; my child was being bullied at school, and I didn’t know how to help him. This refresher training has reminded me that no one else but I can be the shield and advocate for my child." Another parent said, "I was forcing my child to do sewing, but she has always loved hairdressing. Now, with the support group we have formed, I will help her start her hairdressing business through the income generating activities I will be conducting with the other parents."

 These workshops provided a platform for reinforcing previous trainings on child safeguarding and protection. A referral pathway was shared with parents, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard their children from harm but also the need to report when their children’s rights have been violated

Parents of children with developmental delays find it difficult to meet the needs of their children, especially when they lack access to the necessary knowledge and resources. Oftentimes, these parents suffer in silence, feeling overwhelmed and lacking the knowledge to support their child's growth. Societal stigma can also lead them to hide their child away, depriving the child of opportunities to reach their full potential. Recognizing this gap, Nzeve strives to involve these parents, together with speech therapists and occupational therapists, on a journey to help these children unlock their true capabilities.

 Through a series of meetings and comprehensive parent-child training programs, Nzeve's Parenting Pathway group supports parents of children with developmental delays under the age of 7 in reaching their full potential. The parent-child pairing sessions provide a platform for parents to meet with the occupational and speech therapists, and they work together to be given ideas on how to care for the child.

 As usual Nzeve conducted yet another session in May. This time the session brought together 40 parents, a speech therapist, and an occupational therapist. During these session, the speech therapist first assessed the children's motor skills and communication capabilities. The therapist then worked collaboratively with the parents, equipping them with various methods to use back home to help their children develop speech and other skills. These methods included encouraging parents to read aloud with their children, which can stimulate language development and foster bonding while the child imitates the parent. The occupational therapist also introduced homemade assistive devices like parallel bars to aid in standing and walking, providing the children with much-needed physical support and opportunities to strengthen their motor skills. These sessions provided parents with invaluable guidance, empowering them with the knowledge and practical skills to best support their children's growth and development.

 The impact of Nzeve's initiatives is evident through numerous success stories that highlight the transformative effects of empowering these parents with knowledge and practical skills to help their children. One parent who attended the parent-child session said, "I have acquired the knowledge to help my child gain her speech back. I used to hide her and was ashamed to seek help until I met the people from Nzeve, and they told me to bring my child for these sessions."

 Another parent shared," Now I am able to help my child in his walking journey."

 The unwavering support from donors has been instrumental in the success of Nzeve's initiatives. As Nzeve looks to the future, the organization remains committed to expanding its programs and reaching more families in need.