Training leaders in Zimbabwe's Deaf Community

In Zimbabwe, Deaf individuals often encounter difficulties accessing crucial information concerning safeguarding issues, health matters, and economic empowerment support. This challenge arises from the fact that information is often presented in formats that they struggle to comprehend, requiring interpretation in many instances. To address this disparity, Nzeve conducted a series of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) sessions aimed at training Deaf leaders. The primary objective was to confront the obstacles linked to information scarcity in the health sector. Nzeve's efforts extend to empowering these leaders to confront safeguarding issues, HIV/STI concerns, and economic empowerment through specialized training programs. These efforts seek to narrow the informational gap between the Deaf community and essential knowledge related to health, safeguarding, and economic well-being.

In January, a session focusing on HIV was conducted with 17 Deaf members at the Mutambara Deaf Club. The session aimed to empower participants by disseminating information on HIV/STI issues, modes of transmission, preventive strategies, symptoms of different STIs, and where to access services such as family planning. Attendees were also educated on diverse income-generating activities to bolster their economic stability. Assessment for potential Income Generating Activities (IGAs) was conducted to determine the need for further support among club members.

The initiative to empower Deaf leaders has yielded significant results. One participant articulated, "I feel empowered. This training has not only enhanced my economic prospects but will also benefit my fellow Deaf individuals as I share this valuable information with them."

Nzeve's commitment to nurturing leaders within the Deaf community to address a spectrum of challenges, with adequate interpretation services, is made possible through unwavering support from our funders.