By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, October 21, Mana: Acting Director of Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD), Malonje Phiri has said the organization plans to open a sign language training centre in Nkhata Bay to address challenges encountered by deaf children in the district.

She was speaking on Monday in Nkhata Bay when she closed a three-day training for parents and Nkhata Bay District Council officials on sign language.

 Phiri said that most teachers and other stakeholders in delivery service setups cannot communicate through sign language, hence the idea to open the centre.

"We have trained various government departments such as Health, Education and Police on how they can serve the deaf through effective reciprocal communication.

We, therefore, invite those interested to attend sign language classes once the centre is opened next year so that we minimize communication barriers with deaf people," said Phiri.

Chairperson of Parents of the Deaf in Nkhata-Bay, Jonathan Hara commended MANAD for the training.

“We are however waiting for the centre to be opened as this initiative will ensure that our children access education, health and other social services that will make them become reliable citizens of this country, " Hara added.

Director of Administration for Nkhata Bay District Council, James Tembo said the training has been an eye opener to many, attributing to be a catalyst towards achieving inclusive development.