Sanganai means "Come together" the inspiration for Sanganai Project aimed at bringing deaf youth together to build a stronger deaf community through vocational and skills training. Youth are mentored and taught practical skills. Partnerships are fostered with local companies to give deaf youth experience in industry; and local communities are exposed to sign language and deaf culture, building acceptance and inclusion. Your support will give deaf youth opportunity to become capable entrepreneurs
There are few schools with skills to teach deaf learners in Zimbabwe, which lowers their opportunity for higher/ tertiary education. Manicaland, where the project is based, boasts of over 250 secondary schools covering 7 districts, but only 2 of these cater for Deaf learners. Culturally deafness is misunderstood and often feared in society. Deaf school leavers find it hard to secure employment without recognised qualifications. Overcoming negative perceptions of disability adds to the challenge
Nzeve's vision is to see a deaf community recognised in an inclusive society. The Sanganai Youth project is one of the efforts towards that vision; providing deaf youth with a space where they can learn life skills and vocational training designed to address the specific needs of the Deaf. The project works together with families, local tertiary colleges and industry to provide education and promote deaf awareness. Deaf mentors work with the youth in personal development and health education.
Exposure to industry and knowledge of business skills increases opportunity for deaf youth get employment or run their own businesses. They become recognised as productive members of their community; thus reducing the lure into illegal income generating activities. Cultural stereotypes about incapability of persons with disability are reduced as local companies are exposed to deaf people through facilitated engagement during internships and training.
