The Zambia Deaf Youth and Women (ZDYW) Executive Director Frank Musukwa has called on the government to recognize sign language as the 8th National language in Zambia in order to break the communication barrier.
In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Musukwa said the introduction of sign language lessons around the nation will dismantle all barriers thereby, enabling the deaf to communicate with other people and get included in societal issues.
He noted that the deaf people have challenges in exercising their legitimate rights such as social, judicial, and medical services due to communication barriers.
He has however, appealed to individuals working as medical personnel, police officers, secretaries, court officials and pastors to have sign language knowledge.
“We also need the word of God as deaf people but we are challenged in that pastors do not know how to use sign language”. Mr. Musukwa said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Musukwa has appealed to the Ministry of Higher Education to have sign language taught at all levels of education in Zambia.
He further stressed that sign language should be included in school programmes like foreign languages such as French and Chinese.
Good idea, sign language should be a compulsory Subject
at Primary, Secondary to University level.
I am a sign language use. A step forward Mr Musukwa
I am a sign language user. A step forward Mr Musukwa
It’s true we as deaf persons have been devastated in terms of lack information some of us like to go to churches but there no medium of communication except Baptist and JW which are not only our churches please GRZ do something.
This is a very good idea. Until you have a child that would require sign language you will appreciate such efforts.
*won’t