The Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD), in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame (USA), is currently implementing a significant research project titled Deaf Education Language of Instruction Transition in Education Systems (DELITES). This project is generously funded by the USAID Supporting Holistic and Actionable Research in Education (SHARE) Activity and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
About DELITES
DELITES is a multi-country study focused on language and literacy development for Deaf learners, particularly in Malawi. The research aims to strengthen education systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Malawi, by addressing the unique challenges faced by Deaf students.
Historical Context and Objectives
In 2009, a baseline research project funded by the Finnish Association of the Deaf revealed that the use of sign language in Malawi was very low, leading to poor educational outcomes for Deaf students. Building on this, the DELITES project seeks to understand the underlying causes of poor language development among Deaf learners, with a particular emphasis on children.
Research Methodology
The research involves collecting data from various system stakeholders, including those involved in deaf education policies and the schools where Deaf children are learning. In addition to field data collection, the project includes workshops with Ecological Advisors, who provide guidance on the research work and system-level factors affecting deaf education.
Recent Workshops
One of the key workshops took place on August 13th and 14th in Mponela, gathering participants who are directly involved in the research and implementation process. These workshops are crucial for refining the research approach and ensuring that the findings will lead to actionable strategies for improving Deaf education in Malawi.
