LIFESTYLE WRITER
WISE Owl Group of Schools learners this week visited Deaf College Africa after completing sign language training with Tebele Sign Language Centre, putting their newly acquired skills into practice while building friendships with deaf learners.
The visit by learners from the school’s Westgate Primary gave them an opportunity to apply what they had learnt outside the classroom while interacting with their deaf peers.
“Watching our learners step out, interact so naturally and build genuine connections with their peers has been extraordinary,” said Rutendo Hatendi, a teacher at Wise Owl Westgate.
“This is what real-world learning is all about.”
The learners took part in bracelet-making activities designed to promote teamwork, creativity and communication through sign language.
They also worked with Deaf College Africa learners on a collaborative painting, dubbed a “friendship print”, celebrating unity and diversity.
The interaction saw the two groups communicate through sign language and other non-verbal cues, giving the hearing learners practical experience of communicating beyond speech.
Tebele Sign Language Centre director Siphoesihle Ndlovu said introducing sign language at an early age could help reduce communication barriers between deaf and hearing communities.
“We train schools because we believe inclusion starts young,” Ndlovu said.
“When hearing children learn sign language early, they do not just learn hand movements. They learn empathy, patience and how to see people.”
The programme forms part of Tebele Sign Language Centre’s efforts to promote sign language in mainstream schools across Zimbabwe.
The centre works with primary and secondary schools to train learners and teachers, with the aim of improving communication between deaf and hearing communities.
Deaf College Africa learner Charmine Musona said the visit had given her an opportunity to make new friends.
“Today was purely magical,” she said.
“I made incredible new friends who made me feel seen and happy. We played, laughed and had a great time together.”
Wise Owl learner Arielle Muchinguri said the training had given her greater confidence to communicate through sign language.
“I feel so excited and empowered to sign,” she said. “Being able to communicate with my hands and connect with others like this is amazing.”
Ndlovu said Wise Owl had demonstrated the value of combining classroom learning with practical experience.
“Wise Owl is doing real and practical work,” she said.
“They trusted us to train their Grade 2 learners, and they gave the children an opportunity to go out and use that skill to build friendships. That is inclusion in action.”
Tebele Sign Language Centre continues to partner with schools in rolling out sign language training programmes for learners and staff.