Junior Councillors trained in sign language

City of Masvingo facilitated a two day training for Junior Councillors aiming at inclusive communication to enable effective communication with deaf or hard-of-hearing constituents, promoting inclusivity and equal access to services.

The two day training will enable improved accessibility to council services, meetings, and events for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, ensuring equal participation and engagement.

Expectations are that there is going to be enhanced customer service through responding to the needs and concerns of deaf or hard-of-hearing constituents.

There is going to be a breaking down on communication barriers to promote social inclusion, fostering a more inclusive and diverse community, enabling of the hard – to hear individuals to participate fully in civic life and access council services without barriers and promote community engagement and participation in local decision-making processes.

The major outcome of the training will increase participation of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals in council meetings, events, and decision-making processes, better representation of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals’ needs and concerns in council decision-making and positive community impact fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, and social responsibility.