Speech by David Coltart at the Opening of NZEVE
Mutare
24 November
I am delighted to be in Mutare today. This is an important day in the history of NZEVE. NZEVE is opening a new workshop for deaf youth as well as expanded office space. The extensions will increase the capacity of the organisation – to train more young people and administer the project efficiently.
The Deaf community of Manicaland never had a special school or centralised services in the past. Since 2000 NZEVE has acted as a focal point for the Deaf community and for teachers of the deaf employed within the Ministry of Education. There are 15 special resource units in Manicaland. I am told that this high number in Manicaland is in part due to the diagnostic and referral activities conducted by those now connected with NZEVE.
NZEVE helps to increase awareness of the needs of the deaf. The preschool programme was started to give early intervention to very young deaf children so that they can learn sign language with their families and help them to communicate. More awareness is necessary so that parents understand the importance of bringing their children when they are still very young. Since almost all parents of deaf children have hearing, the need to teach sign language to their parents must not be underestimated.
It is reported that one out of three children who are out of school in Zimbabwe is a child with a disability. We all have a responsibility to change this and make sure that parents and school authorities are aware that children with disabilities have the right to go to school. But then we must ensure that they do not just sit at the back of the class learning little. It is vitally important that our teachers and schools provide education to all children appropriate to their individual needs.
The government of Zimbabwe is working to make all schools “Child Friendlyâ€. What this means is to make sure every school and every teacher is able to cater for every child appropriate to his or her ability. Placing children with disability in ordinary schools is the preferred option so that they can learn with other children. But this will only be possible for deaf children if Zimbabwe Sign Language is understood and used by more Zimbabweans. I am happy to report that earlier this year I launched a new Sign Language Dictionary prepared by King George VI School. I encourage everyone here to continue learning sign language and if you haven’t started yet, talk to NZEVE and find out how you can start learning ZSL through the courses run at this centre. I would encourage the parents of deaf children to carry on learning with your children and involving the whole family in communication in sign language.
Deaf Youth who are out of school now have more space where they can learn vocational skills. But as we all know, acquiring skills does not automatically mean Deaf youth can become self sufficient.   Marketing the goods that they produce is challenging especially in the current adverse economic environment in Zimbabwe. I would like to encourage business people here today to assist the development of market linkages for these Deaf young people or even employ some of them as they graduate after three years at NZEVE’s youth training project.
One of the most important indicators of the maturity and humanity of any nation is given in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. In times of economic hardship it is often the disabled who are neglected first. This needs to change and I commend all those involved in NZEVE for what they have done. I hope this inspires other communities.
This is a great occasion and it is good to be here today in this most beautiful part of Zimbabwe! Carry on the good work everybody and let’s build a better place for deaf children and youth.