“The language we see, feel and understand”
A classroom of Grade 2 learners from Wise Owl Group of Schools (Westgate Primary school) traded spoken words for signed ones this week and walked away with new friends, new skills and an understanding of inclusion.
After completing a sign language training course with Tebele Sign Language Centre, the Wise Owl students put their learning into practice with a visit to Deaf College Africa.
The goal was simple but powerful- to use what they had learnt, build “Deaf buddies and experience communication beyond sound.
The visit was far more than a typical school field trip—it was a real-world celebration of empathy, cultural appreciation, and human connection.
The children worked together on bracelet making activities designed to encourage team work, creativity and meaningful conversation through sign language.
Later, they joined words for a large collaborative painting a “friendship print” celebrating unity, diversity, and the joy of being understood.
Seeing their hearing peers communicate with such dedication sparked instant, visible excitement among the Deaf College Africa learners.
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They erupted into a shared exchange of energy; hands moved rapidly in the air and faces lit up with mutual recognition.
The Wise Owl learners demonstrated a deep, intuitive comprehension of non-verbal cues, actively listening with their eyes and responding thoughtfully to every gesture returned by their hosts.
"Watching our learners step out, interact so naturally, and build pure joy with their peers has been extraordinary," shared Rutendo Hatendi, a teacher at Wise Owl Westgate. "This is what real-world learning is all about!"
For Tebele Sign Language Centre, the visit was a proof that training works best when it leaves the classroom. “We train schools because we believe inclusion starts young” said Siphoesihle Ndlovu the director of Tebele Sign Language Centre. “When hearing children learn sign language early they don’t just learn hand movements. They learn empathy, patience and how to see people.
The visit aligns with Tebele Sign Language Centre’s broader mission to bring sign language into mainstream schools across Zimbabwe.
The centre works with primary and secondary schools to equip learners and teachers with sign language courses, helping to breakdown communication barriers long before they form.
"Today was purely magical!" beamed Charmine Musona, student at Deaf Africa College. "I made incredible new friends who made me feel so seen and happy—we played, laughed, and had the best time together!"
Wise Owl learner Arielle Muchinguri couldn't hide her pride: "I feel so excited and empowered to sign! Being able to talk with my hands and connect like this is amazing—thank you, Tebele Sign Language Center!"
“Wise owl is doing real and practical work”, the director added! “They trusted us to train their Grade 2 students, and they gave the children a chance to go out and use that skill to build friendship. That is inclusion in action”.
Tebele sign language center continues to partner with schools to rollout sign language training programmes for learners and staff.
