Association of the Deaf calls for promotion of sign language
Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD) an umbrella organisation responsible for safeguarding the welfare of people with hearing impairments in the country has blamed government for not showing interest in promoting sign language.
Speaking during an interview, MANAD executive director Brighton Chimemya said currently Malawi has not yet recognised sign language as a language on its own, a development he said has made it difficult for people with hearing challenges in the country to access vital information.
Chimemya’s remarks comes as the international community was commemorating the international sign language day which fall on September 23 September this weak to mark the beginning of the commemoration of International Deaf week which run from September 22 and ends on 28 September.
Ironically, the Commemoration in the country has been shifted to October 7 to 12 with the main celebratory function being slated for October 11, a development which has worried MANAD, saying it signifies government’s lack of commitment in promoting sign language.
Government has not yet disclosed the reason for the postponement but Chimemya said that his association was advised to call off the celebrations until the return of the Minister of Gender, children, Disability and Social Welfare, Gertrude Navitcha who has been attending The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States of America (USA).
Chimemya explained further that the fact that only the state broadcaster (MBC TV) has an interpreter on its news coverage unlike privately owned television stations further demonstrates lack of government commitment in promoting sign language .
He called upon the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to come up with specific regulations aimed at enforcing private Television Stations to have sign language interpreters not only during news cast but also in their programming.
Chimemya continued by saying that despite government promising to train over 100 sign language interpreters,government has not fulfilled it’s pledge three years down the line.
He added that he would like sign language to be used in the country’s judiciary during court proceedings for people with hearing difficulties to easily follow. He also urged government to send adequate sign language interpreters in the country’s schools.
UNGA) proclaimed September 23 as the International Day of Sign Language in order to raise awareness of the importance of sign language.
This year the International Day for Sign Language is being observed under the theme: ‘Sign Language, Rights for All’, and the main celebratory activity in the country is slated on October 11 at Kaliyeka School ground in Lilongwe.
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