Training leaders in Zimbabwe's Deaf Community

Nzeve's commitment to training Deaf mentors as peer educators has taken a step forward with a focus on Mental Health conditions that arise from Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) issues and SRH issues that arise due to mental health problems. This initiative aims to empower Deaf mentors and Parent Mentors within the community to serve as advocates for mental health awareness and support.

 In September, Nzeve conducted a training program for 12 Deaf mentors from Munyoro, Honde Valley, Rusape, Sanganai, and Chipinge Deaf clubs.

The training aimed to equip deaf mentors with knowledge of how mental health and SRH interrelate and affect one another for example mental illness could possibly lead to reckless sexual behaviors such as unprotected sexual intercourse or multiple sexual partners and SRH issues such as STIs, HIV/AIDs, and SRH violation through rape that could possibly lead to depression or even substance abuse.

Having grasped the techniques of identifying the relation mentors were equipped with skills to offer support to their peers and eventually refer for the rightful services especially as they conduct home visits to support their peers in SRH. The Home visits that the Deaf mentors will be conducting offer a unique opportunity to identify and address mental health concerns.

 The training addressed a variety of mental health issues starting with the capacity to distinguish between mental health and mental illness, the causes of mental health disorders, signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, coping mechanisms, the significance of emotional health to how the individuals can seek appropriate support. Particular attention was given to the specific challenges encountered by the Deaf community and how the Deaf mentors can educate their peers about mental health.

 Through interactive sessions, role-playing exercises, and group discussions, the mentors developed a comprehensive understanding of their responsibilities as mental health advocates as they interact with the Deaf community. They learned how to lead support groups and connect community members with relevant mental health resources. The Deaf mentors expressed a strong commitment to applying their newfound skills and becoming champions for mental health awareness in their communities.

 One Deaf mentor remarked, “I can now understand mental health issues that are affecting me, and I will also be able to help others as I conduct home visits”. Our Deaf mentors have gained confidence and are ready to take on leadership roles to ensure that everyone has access to essential mental health information.