Manad to train teachers, health officers in sign language

The Malawi National Association of the Deaf (Manad) has unveiled plans to provide sign language training to teachers and health workers with funding from Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (Osisa).

Speaking during a press briefing at the association’s office in Blantyre, Manad’s project coordinator Juliana Mwase said apart from the sign language awareness and development, Manad has also launched a website.

“Manad has received K14 million (about $35 000) from Osisa to train 20 health practitioners and 20 teachers. The two sectors [education and health] have been targeted because many deaf people fail to communicate efficiently despite their dire need for literacy and physical wellness.

“The number of teachers and health practitioners to be trained is insufficient but the association is planning to request for more funding for more people to be trained in sign language,” said Mwase.

Manad chairperson Charles Mtambo said the website that has recently been launched by the association will ease access of information about the hearing impaired to the public.

“Before the launch of the website, people had to come to our offices for information but the website will be much efficient in providing the information and receiving feedback and requests from the public,” said Mtambo.