Nampula deaf community faces inclusion and fraud challenges

In Nampula, Mozambique, representatives from various deaf rights organizations, including the Association of the Deaf of Mozambique (ASSUMO), the Association of Deaf Women (AMAMO), and the Association of Deaf Youth (AJOSMEM), have highlighted significant barriers to inclusion. During the International Week of the Deaf, advocates emphasized that a lack of specialized educational institutions, vocational training, and sign language programs severely limits access to education, healthcare, and employment for the deaf community.

Simultaneously, provincial authorities in Nampula have reported issues with individuals falsely claiming to be deaf to solicit alms on the streets. The provincial directorate for Gender, Child, and Social Action noted that some individuals have used documents bearing ASSUMO symbols to facilitate this practice. In response, the government is conducting awareness campaigns against mendicancy and working to integrate legitimate persons with disabilities into official inclusion programs in coordination with partner associations.