The Deaf community in Malawi joined their global counterparts in celebrating International Deaf Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the unique identity and communication needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Held in September, which is Deaf Awareness Month, the event emphasizes inclusion and accessibility for Deaf people across all sectors of society.
This year, the heart of the celebrations was in Ntchisi District in central Malawi. A key feature of the event was sign language training for parents of Deaf children, aimed at bridging the communication gap within families where Deaf children often struggle to communicate with family members. The sessions helped to raise awareness of the importance of sign language for Deaf children, particularly in overcoming communication barriers at home.
The celebrations also included panel discussions on television and radio, offering the broader public an opportunity to engage with Deaf issues. These discussions featured a range of topics, from accessibility in the workplace to the need for better support systems for Deaf individuals.
In Blantyre District, members of the Deaf community took part in a hospital cleanup at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QUECH). Led by MANAD national executive committee treasurer Lloyd Chilongo and Blantyre branch chairperson Isaiah Mkwaila, the event demonstrated the Deaf community’s ability to contribute meaningfully to society. The Hospital Director praised the effort, acknowledging the important role Deaf individuals can play in charitable activities and encouraging continued collaboration.
The activities of International Deaf Week in Malawi underscored the resilience and capability of Deaf individuals, reinforcing the message that they are an integral part of society with much to contribute.
