ZOU Drives Inclusive Education, Certifying Harare Employees in Sign Language
The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) hosted a significant Sign Language Graduation Ceremony at the Monomotapa Hotel on Wednesday 5 November 2025. This event celebrated the successful completion of the Basic Zimbabwe Sign Language course by forty-nine (49) City of Harare community service officers. The cohort, comprising 10 men and 39 women, underscores a notable commitment to gender balance within the drive for inclusive education. This milestone directly enhances communication accessibility across the greater Harare community.
Graduates receive their certificates on the far left is His Worship Councilor Jacob Mafume and on the right is ZOU Vice Chancellor Emeritus Prof P. H. Gundani
In his keynote address, ZOU Vice Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Paul Henry Gundani, emphasized the broader impact of the training. He stated, “This course was not just an academic achievement; it serves as a catalyst for social change. By embracing Zimbabwe Sign Language, you are actively contributing to a more inclusive Zimbabwe, one that aligns with our Vision 2030 urging us to ‘leave no one and no place behind’ in all aspects of development, social, economic, and beyond.”
The Vice Chancellor extended sincere gratitude to the Harare City Council and its leadership. He commended the foresight of the city fathers in fully sponsoring the course, highlighting it as a strong demonstration of commitment to both inclusion and staff development. ZOU hopes this initiative will inspire other local authorities nationwide to invest in building communication bridges with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
The successful training reflects the City of Harare employees’ dedication to leveraging education for societal upliftment, moving beyond personal skill enhancement to actively empowering often marginalized members of the Deaf community.
His Worship Councilor Jacob Mafume, the Mayor of Harare, served as the Guest of Honour. In his address, the Mayor reinforced the City of Harare’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and service accessibility for all Zimbabwean citizens by prioritizing sign language proficiency among its staff.
Mayor Mafume underscored that, as Sign Language is one of Zimbabwe’s 16 official languages, it is imperative for city employees to competently support citizens with hearing challenges. The tangible benefits of this specialized training are multifaceted, touching upon individual growth, service delivery, and community cohesion. Primarily, the training ensures Inclusivity by enabling City employees to communicate directly with the Deaf community, thus fostering a much more welcoming environment. This proficiency directly supports Accessibility, as staff can now break down critical communication barriers, guaranteeing equitable access to vital city services for all citizens. Furthermore, the program cultivates Empathy and Awareness, instilling a deeper compassion and understanding for the unique challenges faced by the Deaf community. On a professional level, acquiring Sign Language skills significantly enhances Career Prospects, boosting the professional value of employees in public-facing sectors. Beyond specialized application, the learning process itself sharpens overall Communication Skills and strengthens relationship-building capacity. Ultimately, these efforts nurture robust Community Engagement, fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships between hearing and Deaf residents throughout Harare.
Graduates demonstrate their acquired skills singing the National Anthem in Sign Language
The graduation ceremony was more than a celebration of individual achievement; it was a powerful affirmation of the City of Harare’s dedication to building a community that values every resident, irrespective of their means of communication.
Graduates were encouraged to register for the Intermediate Level to continue their professional development journey. The Zimbabwe Open University remains committed to serving councils, organizations, and individuals by offering Sign Language training alongside a wide array of short courses, diplomas, and degrees promoting lifelong learning.
Graduation in pictures
