Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD)

MANAD was established in 1990 with the vision of ensuring that deaf citizens in the country are guaranteed full participation and equal opportunities in society. This can only be achieved when sign language has been recognized as an official language in Malawi.

MANAD have 2,396 members 1,905 are men, 306 are women, 185 are children and they have established 3 branches in Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu. MANAD conducted low scale sign language sessions for deaf children and the hearing community. They have trained 14 sign language interpreters and 17 language instructors. Currently they are discussing with special schools in Mzimba and Blantyre concerning methods of teaching deaf children.

They have been working with Professor Phiri to produce a Sign Language Dictionary, which will help in coming out with National Sign Language. The will assist in the promotion of communication for the deaf in Malawi.

As a result of the organizational management and programme development training they redrafted the organizations constitution and mission statement.

With funding from FEDOMA as part of the Capacity Building Programme, MANAD trained officials from MACOHA, FEDOMA and Ministry of Social Development and –Persons with Disabilities in the use of Sign Language?

They similarly conducted a similar 2 weeks course for Soche Technical College teachers to enable them communicate with deaf students at the college.

MANAD has had its own share of challenges where the new committee is still grappling with problems from some elements from the old committee who are disgruntled for not being voted in.

FEDOMA is working with the Trustees of MANAD to resolve these problems.

MANAD has participated in organizational capacity building workshops organized by the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Organization (ESAROG).