Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) stood in solidarity with the Deaf community in Ntcheu district to commemorate the International Day of Sign Languages. Our beneficiaries of community-based rehabilitation showcased their talents in carpentry and joinery, tailoring and weaving.
The main event for the International Day of Sign Languages took place at Banda Primary School Ground in TA Mkutumula, Ntcheu. We are celebrating the day under the powerful banner of inclusion. This year's commemoration theme is "No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights." The Guest of Honour was Principal Secretary Ms. Nwazi Mnthambala, from the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare.
During the International Week of Deaf People, MACODA joined the Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD) at Nsipe in Ntcheu in the area of Traditional Authority Kwataije for a meaningful engagement with parents of deaf children. We discussed the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of deaf children including the right to education and the right to access health care and how to advocate for the rights.
MANAD shared practical tools and strategies for parents to support their children’s development and outlined ways to access essential services. Together, we also highlighted how sign language serves as a bridge for communication and inclusion.