A Zambian Teenager Uses Sign Language to Educate Students About Climate Change

Since I had never learned sign language before, it was difficult for me when I first arrived. I found it really challenging to communicate with them. However, as time went on, I realised that all I needed to know in order to assist them in one or two ways was sign language,” said Bridget Chanda, a student and sign language interpreter.

Elizabeth Motale, an agribusiness owner and climate change activist, has also been at the forefront of this global environmental movement. She mentioned how helpful Chanda has been in getting the word out to the students who have special needs. Consequently, this has shaped students’ minds in the school.

“I educate the people in my community about climate change through these sessions. I instructed them on how to store water in case of inclement weather so that they could utilise it when necessary. Although signing for them presented some difficulties, Bridget usually assists me when I conduct sessions. Elizabeth Motale, an agribusiness owner and climate change activist, said, “She usually signs for them.”

Although Zambia does not recognise sign language as an official language, the government has taken steps to guarantee that it will be recognised and has mandated that climate change education be taught in sign language.

The government of Zambia has decided to add more climate change education to the curriculum as a result of the country’s increased frequency of extreme weather events, including the current, severe drought. The country is located in southern Africa.