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