Deaf school status elevated

By Thomas Ratsim

A Unit for deaf children at the Dongobesh-Chini Primary School constructed under the auspices of the Mbulu Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) is now a fully fledged primary school for the deaf.

Opening the school’s buildings on Monday, October 20 the Minister for Education and Culture, Mr. Joseph Mungai said that the school for the deaf would also be allocated a Government subsidy as other primary schools.

Mr. Mungai commended the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania for being in the forefront in promoting literacy in the country mentioning that the Reformer of the Lutheran denomination, Dr. Martin Luther was renowned in the world for Universal Literacy. Hence, he said, the church has continued with her moral commitment of promoting education in the country particularly by establishing schools and teachers' training colleges.

The Minister for Education and Culture also expressed his gratitude to the Deaf Mission of Finland for their support for establishing deaf schools in the country. The schools are in Mwanga and Njombe. The Minister asked the delegates to consider building a secondary school for the deaf as there is no such school in the country at the moment.

Earlier the Diocesan Secretary for Projects, Mr. Israel Saghware said that the deaf school project to be implemented in ten phases will cost about Tshs.280 million. So far about Tshs. 23 million has been spent on the accomplished works.

In the ceremony attended by the representatives from the Deaf Mission of Finland, South East Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, about Shs. 850,000/= was raised to assist the project.

Meanwhile, the Deputy General Secretary of ELCT responsible for Social Services and Women's Work, Mrs. Loe-Rose Mbise said that most people are eager to learn foreign languages but neglecting sign languages. She emphasized that people should also cultivate a habit of learning sign language since it is also useful in communication as any other languages.

The Mbulu Diocese of ELCT comprises Hanang, Mbulu and parts of Iramba, Karatu and Babati Districts.

Last modified: October 23, 2003.
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