Read On! - Books for 200 deaf children in Zimbabwe

Speech delays and Lack of sign language access significantly impact a child`s overall development, including cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Therefore Nzeve continues with its initiative of transforming the lives of Deaf Children from the Early Childhood Development and children with developmental delays in speech from the Communication group, empowering them to communicate effectively and thrive in their educational journey. Nzeve has been providing picture books to these children to help them learn sign language, various shapes and colours through storytelling and also to those with developmental delays the books have helped in restoring their speech. We are thrilled to share the heartwarming success stories from the Communication Group and Early Childhood Development (ECD) Group.

Our dedicated Nzeve teachers have been working closely with parents and caregivers to address delays in speech and also to ensure effective communication through sign language for the Deaf children. Through the generous support of our donors, we have been able to provide a diverse range of books. These books have become valuable tools for parents to engage in storytelling sessions with their children. This process has given our Deaf children from the ECD Group the opportunity to learn formal sign language and also facilitated learning in other areas such as shapes and colors, providing a holistic learning experience for these young Deaf learners.

We are overjoyed to announce that this initiative has not only enabled Deaf children to communicate effectively using sign language but has also contributed to their successful graduation from the ECD program this year. One of the parents said, “These books have helped my daughter to master the colours and the shapes, I did not think my child could reach this stage since she was deaf.” Many of these children are now taking confident steps towards primary school, equipped with the necessary communication skills to continue their education journey. This accomplishment reflects the transformative power of books and the dedication of parents and caregivers in supporting their children's development.

 This project has also yielded remarkable results among the children with developmental delays in the communication group by helping them restore their speech. Parents and caregivers borrowed these books from Nzeve and engaged in joint reading sessions with their children at home. As parents read aloud to their children, the child imitates what the parent is saying and through this the child is able to learn how to speak. Children have shown extra-ordinary progress in their communication, enhancing speech to our little heroes and heroines. One parent with a child from the communication group said, “When I got this picture book, I started engaging in story telling with my child, her communication started improving and today we can have a clear conversation with my daughter.”

 Your generosity and dedication have made our achievements possible and as we celebrate the progress we remain committed to expanding its impact and reaching even more children. Together, let us continue to make a difference through the power of books, nurturing the potential of every child and creating brighter futures.

Our project continues to light up lives of Deaf Children in Zimbabwe. We're providing picture books to Deaf children, and these books are having an ongoing impact, pandemic or not. The books are creating bonds and sparking conversations within families. Parents are learning new signs while reading with their kids, deepening their connection. One mom even shared how their family conversations have grown thanks to the stories.

Beyond storytime, these books come with puzzles and games, introducing an interactive element to learning. The children are having fun while practicing the new signs they've learned - it's learning that doesn't feel like work!

Even when the pandemic has passed, these books remain a key part of these children's lives. They're not just reading; they're growing, communicating, and having fun. Our commitment continues, one book, one puzzle, and one sign at a time, nurturing minds and strengthening family bonds.