Mangaliso Kabulika
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has developed an examinable syllabus for learners of Zimbabwe Sign Language (ZSL).
By doing so, it aims to bridge the communication gap between hearing and deaf communities, and provide more opportunities for deaf individuals in education and employment.
The new syllabus will allow learners to study ZSL as a separate subject, bringing it in line with other major African languages such as Sesotho and Shona.
Chief director for learner welfare and psychological services in the Ministry, Kwadzanayi Nyanungo, said under the new syllabus, students will have the opportunity to learn and master ZSL as a distinct subject.
“The same way we recognise Sesotho, ChiShona, IsiNdebele and ChiChewa in learning, we are pushing for equal respect for ZSL. “You don’t have to be deaf to learn Sign language, but you can now learn it because it now has a syllabus and it can be examined.
“We want the rest of the world to learn ZSL to communicate with us as we also learn their languages to communicate with them,” said Nyanungo.
The decision to make ZSL an examinable subject has been celebrated by advocates of deaf rights, who described it as a “remarkable achievement”.
“This move will undoubtedly break down barriers and create a more inclusive society where deaf individuals can fully participate in all aspects of life, including education and employment.”