Disability Rights Zimbabwe Project #54567

Include Us - Zimbabwe Deaf people and Families.

by Nzeve Deaf Centre

Summary

Nzeve is an organisation of deaf and hearing people promoting the rights of children and youth with disabilities to participate fully in society. Nzeve works with families, communities, deaf leaders & role models ensuring children with disabilities receive early intervention and support; deaf children in schools receive the resources they need for their education; deaf youth have the opportunity for tertiary education and employment; and deaf communities have a voice to advocate for their rights

$10,000
total goal

$5,230
remaining

20
donors

1
monthly donor

1
fundraiser

2
years

Challenge

Deaf children are raised in hearing families in which little or no sign language is used or understood. Cultural beliefs and practices create barriers to acceptance and inclusion. Interpretation services are largely inaccessible to many deaf people. Families are not aware of the rights of their deaf child and their role in ensuring these are realised. Many young deaf children are denied early access to language, keeping them behind their hearing peers developmentally, socially and educationally

Solution

Your contribution will support over 200 deaf children, youth and their families through the provision of early identification and intervention services; early childhood education; parent support; promotion of sign language in families and communities; and the enhancement of deaf leadership. Community outreach programmes will reach over 700 people training vulnerable families of children with disabilities to become economically capable to support their child and advocate for their basic rights.

Long-Term Impact

Well-equipped families with a knowledge and appreciation for deaf culture and the rights of persons with disabilities are strong advocates for change in attitudes and harmful practices. Deaf children who receive appropriate early intervention and are raised in supportive families, have greater opportunity for better life outcomes and become productive members of society, mentors and leaders; breaking barriers and removing misconceptions about deafness and disability.