Training leaders in Zimbabwe's Deaf Community

Nzeve's commitment to training Deaf mentors as peer educators on sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) has continued its momentum. Nzeve remains committed to raise Deaf mentors within the Deaf community who can serve as SRH mentors and advocates for their peers, leveraging the power of sign language to promote healthier lifestyles.

 In March this year, Nzeve conducted a two-day training for 8 new Deaf mentors from the Makwasa, Mutambara, Sanganai, and Chipinge Deaf clubs. This time around the training aimed to dig deeper into the topics  these new Deaf mentors were going to discuss with their other peers. Another key objective of the training was to equip the new Deaf mentors with the knowledge and skills required to fulfill their responsibilities as SRH mentors.

 The training covered a range of SRH-related subjects, including reproductive anatomy, family planning, sexually transmitted infections, and the importance of seeking timely medical care. Particular emphasis was placed on the unique challenges and needs of the Deaf community, and how the Deaf mentors could effectively educate and advocate for their peers.

 Through interactive sessions, role-playing exercises, and group discussions, the mentors developed a deeper understanding of their role as Deaf SRH mentors. They learned how to facilitate workshops, lead support groups, and connect community members with relevant health services and resources.

 The new Deaf mentors expressed a strong commitment to putting their newfound skills into practice and becoming champions for healthier lifestyles among their peers.

 One Deaf mentor said, ‘After learning more about SRH , I feel empowered now I can educate my deaf colleagues back in my community’.

  Another Deaf mentor said, ‘Its my first time to learn about SRH and I have been missing a lot of information , now that I know , I can also help my other deaf friends.”

 Our Deaf mentors have gained confidence ,and are ready to partake their leadership roles to ensure that everyone has access to essential health information.

 Nzeve's continued investment in training Deaf  mentors as peer educators is a testament to its unwavering dedication to empower strong leaders and advocates in the Deaf community for healthier lifestyles.