By Ncaba Ntshakala
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla officially opened the Sign Language Training Workshop for Parents with deaf students at Matsetsa School for the Deaf on Tuesday.
The two-day training program is funded by World Vision Eswatini through UNICEF Swaziland and has been said to mark a significant step towards inclusive communication in Eswatini.
During her speech, the DPM highlighted the upcoming implementation of sign language from Grade 0, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in ensuring that everyone can communicate with the deaf community.
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“This is a starter course, and the training will continue during school holidays until the parents have the basic knowledge of sign language.
I was pained to learn that some deaf students were not eager to go home during school vacations because they had no one to talk to using sign language.
They can express themselves once schools are opened. Imagine if they are sick and need medical attention, but no one in the hospital can interpret sign language,” she said.
Zakhele Dlamini from World Vision emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting children with disabilities, including those enrolled at Matsetsa School for the Deaf.
Dr. Ngcebo Mbuli stressed the need for interpreters in educational institutions to prevent deaf students from falling behind or dropping out.
The event also saw contributions from other dignitaries, including Dr Tandzile Dlamini, Lubombo Regional Secretary Swane Zandile Dlamini, and members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, who all recognized the critical need for ongoing support and advocacy for the deaf community.
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They all lauded Eswatini for its continuous dedication to promoting inclusiveness in schools and communities.
The country has been pushing for inclusive education in schools where the Ministry of Education and Training together with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and United Nations partners have advocated for such.
