*ited-free-sign-language-training-kuwadzana* *©️ Manicaland National LIVE NEWS updates* | Tuesday June 3, 2025 by _Maxwell _*Kalithengiswailizwe*_Haitengeswinyika Teedzai_ *Mdm Madeline Yohane leads push for inclusive economic development through Sign Language* *KUWADZANA, HARARE*—Madam Madeline Yohane, the National Chairperson of ITED — Interpreters and Translators for Economic Development, today led her organisation in launching a historic programme of free sign language lessons for parents and teachers in Kuwadzana 5, Harare. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3Gg6cHQbS3J54OnB0p/524 The training, which runs from June 3 to June 5, 2025, is being held at Kuwadzana 5 Council Primary School and aligns with the inclusive development model of the Second Republic under HE President Dr ED Mnangagwa. This bold step by ITED places the needs of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community firmly within the framework of economic growth, social justice and access to opportunities — values entrenched in the Government’s Devolution agenda and National Vision 2030. “This programme speaks directly to the spirit of the Second Republic,” said Madam Yohane. “Our President has opened every door — from land and mining to healthcare and education. Now it’s our duty to ensure that no one remains outside the rooms of opportunity simply because they communicate differently.” The Great Republic of Zimbabwe’s ongoing pursuit of inclusive governance and development continues to manifest across all sectors, including through education reforms and accessibility initiatives inspired by the NDS1 — National Development Strategy 1. Although NDS1 does not mention sign language explicitly, it commits Government to building an inclusive society where all citizens — regardless of their communication needs — can fully participate in economic, political and social life. Through ITED’s work, ZSL — Zimbabwe Sign Language is being repositioned not as an afterthought, but as an essential component of communication within the Great Republic of Zimbabwe. Madam Yohani, who has been leading advocacy efforts for years, stressed that sign language is not simply a translation tool — it is a bridge to economic and political participation. “If a parent doesn’t understand the language their Deaf child uses, that child is cut off from education. If a teacher cannot communicate with a Deaf learner, that learner is sidelined. But here in Kuwadzana, we are building bridges,” she said. ZSL, a language with its own grammar, vocabulary and syntax, traces its local development back to the 1950s. While its use in education, Government and media has grown, many in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe remain unaware that ZSL is a recognised official language. Through the massive and inclusive economic development strategies of HE President Dr ED Mnangagwa, the Great Republic of Zimbabwe is among a progressive group of African countries acknowledging the need to elevate Deaf culture, especially through formal education and public access to interpretation services. “President Mnangagwa’s Leadership has moved this country from promises to action. We have mining concessions handed to youth, people with disabilities getting land, and digital platforms made accessible. The Deaf community is no longer being left behind,” noted Madam Yohane. The Second Republic’s digital transformation programme, also captured in NDS1, is creating space for greater access to information, inclusive technology and communication infrastructure that support all communities — including those that use sign language. This aligns with UNESCO’s recognition of sign language as a visual language that empowers not only the Deaf but also CODAs — children of Deaf adults — and others who use it in daily life. ITED’s initiative, which has been warmly welcomed in Kuwadzana, is expected to expand into other areas of Harare and beyond. Parents, teachers, and local leaders have expressed gratitude for the free training, describing it as a tool for dignity and understanding. “Development must include everyone,” said Madam Yohane. “When people can express themselves in their own language, they feel counted. They feel they belong. And our President has created that environment — one where we are not only allowed, but encouraged, to belong.” The Government of the Great Republic of Zimbabwe, under HE President Dr ED Mnangagwa, continues to implement Devolution in practice. ITED’s work adds to a growing list of citizen-led initiatives complementing State policy and uplifting marginalised voices, especially in education and communication. As the free sign language sessions continue this week in Kuwadzana, Madam Yohane believes the seeds being planted now will yield a more inclusive future. “Our work is not charity,” she said. “It is Nation-building. And we are proud to be doing it in the era of a President who listens, includes, and empowers every citizen of this Great Republic.” #ited #inclusivedevelopment #zsl #vision2030 #secondrepublic #devolutioninaction #thegreatrepublicofzimbabwe //ENDS// ______________________________ Join me on my socials; Key National and Regional Initiatives 🇿🇼Head of State of the Great Republic of Zimbabwe and Current SADC Summit Chair: His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo (ED) Mnangagwa The Great Republic of Zimbabwe National Vision 2030: Towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030 SADC Regional Vision 2050: Promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an industrialized SADC Follow Us on Social Media x.com (formerly Twitter) Accounts: - [SADC for ED](https://x.com/sadc4ed?s=21) - [Maxwell Teedzai](https://x.com/maxwellteedzai?s=21) - [News MTBN TV](https://x.com/newsmtbntv?s=21) - [Zim Atlas Desk](https://x.com/zimatlas_desk?s=21) - [Presidency Zimbabwe](https://x.com/presidencyzim1?s=21) - [GRZ Girls Amnandi](https://x.com/grzgirlsamnandi?s=21) Facebook Accounts: - [Facebook Link 1](https://www.facebook.com/share/163cU4zEYq/?mibextid=wwXIfr) - [Facebook Link 2](https://www.facebook.com/share/1M5ZEbsGiV/?mibextid=wwXIfr) - [Facebook Link 3](https://www.facebook.com/share/12JC243UZ94/?mibextid=wwXIfr) WhatsApp Channels: - [WhatsApp Channel 1](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCHZKSHVvTk6ZqLnB3v) - [WhatsApp Channel 2](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VadE4PqLNSZxRd7eU30a) - [WhatsApp Channel 3](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3Gg6cHQbS3J54OnB0p) - [WhatsApp Channel 4](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VatH0JlAojYn9S3s7H3o) - [WhatsApp Channel 5](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb0xZr4EFeXnmgH4Kf1d) YouTube Channel: - [MTBN TV YouTube](https://youtu.be/zW8WmduWiJU) Website: - [MTBN TV Website](https://mtbntv.wordpress.com) Tagline: Bridging voices – Fostering unity. 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