This report highlights an important collaboration between the Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD) and government officials, following a meeting in Nkhotakota District on Monday, the 21st, which was organized after the sign language training for parents of deaf children. These meetings, which take place in all districts, aim to strengthen relationships between parents of deaf children and government representatives, fostering better support for deaf children in areas such as education, health, nutrition, welfare, and the prevention of violence.
During the meeting, a key suggestion was made by a civil servant, Sup. Martin Nthete, a police officer in attendance. He proposed that all police officers in Nkhotakota, as well as members of community policing, receive sign language training from MANAD. This initiative, he noted, would help bridge communication gaps between the deaf community and the police, potentially reducing misunderstandings.
In response, MANAD’s Acting Program Officer, Malonje Phiri, acknowledged the importance of sign language training and expressed that it is indeed possible to carry out such training. However, Phiri emphasized the need for the police to first consider involving deaf adults from the local villages in community policing committees, ensuring inclusive safety measures. Phiri also reassured attendees that MANAD would work toward providing the requested sign language training to the police, noting that they already have trained sign language teachers in Nkhotakota District.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Phiri urged the Nkhotakota government officials to hire a trained sign language interpreter to assist at all government offices, with the exception of the hospital, where a nurse trained by members of the Deaf community is already in place and proficient in sign language.
This initiative marks a significant step toward improving communication and services for the Deaf community in Nkhotakota and fostering greater inclusion across various sectors.
