Academy’s free services break down barriers in Wat...

Academy’s free services break down barriers in Waterfalls: Sign Language and more

**Sunrise Sign Language Academy founder, Douglas Mapeta**

Michael Mashiri

Sunrise Sign Language Academy will carry out a free session of sign language, counselling sessions, physiotherapy sessions and disability awareness, Douglas Mapeta, the founder of SSLA has said.

He said they had been compelled to do the programme because of the love they have for the people and the Waterfalls community.

He said many people were deprived of these services because they lack money and as a result, the Academy was giving them this opportunity to come and learn and be treated.

“We have discovered that a lot of people are suffering out there. Imagine one has to part ways with US$30-$40 seeking the services of a physiotherapist in a hospital.

“This is a free budget workshop and we are saying people should come and get assisted for free,” he said.

Mapeta highlighted that everyone was human and, as such, there was need to help each other in times of need.

“When we say, we are not leaving anyone behind we are saying together with people with disability we can do great things for our country, economy and involvement of everything in every sphere of employment.

“We can be the best, but how can we communicate with the deaf if we have not learned sign language, how can we empower people if we are physically impaired?” he said.

He added there was need for people to understand that if a child is born with a disability it does not mean he or she has been bewitched.

“We want to communicate to the society on what would have happened when they say a child has a disability. We want people to accept the child and people living with disability to accept themselves as members of the communities,” he said.

Sunrise Sign Language Academy has done a number of workshops since 2016 and locally they have been to areas such as Beitbridge, Biking, Marange, Hwedza, Hwange, Gwanda, Marondera and Uzumba. Externally, they have toured countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Botswana twice, Hungary.