Zambia Teen Bridget Chanda Uses Sign Language to Educate Deaf Community on Climate Change

In Kasama, Zambia, 18-year-old Bridget Chanda is making a significant impact by educating the deaf community about climate change. Despite the challenges posed by her prosthetic legs, Chanda serves as a sign language interpreter, working with experts like Elizabeth Motale to promote climate-smart techniques and adaptation.

Zambia has been experiencing frequent extreme weather events, including a severe drought that has led to food shortages and water scarcity. This prompted the government to include climate change education in its school curriculum. However, the deaf community faces unique challenges in accessing this information due to the lack of climate-related terms in sign language.

Chanda, who is not deaf herself, learned sign language to bond with her schoolmates at Chileshe Chepela Special School in Kasama. She became interested in climate change, noting the puzzling contrast between her drought-stricken hometown near Lusaka and Kasama's bumper harvest. "Climate change affects our way of life," Chanda emphasized.

Working alongside climate agriculture expert Elizabeth Motale, Chanda helps translate complex climate change information into sign language. This collaboration aims to educate farmers and communities about sustainable practices that can mitigate the effects of climate change.

Chanda's prosthetic legs, which she has worn for six years, no longer fit comfortably, causing her pain when standing or walking for too long. Despite this, she remains determined to fulfill her mission. "I still manage somehow," Chanda said. "I am a girl on a mission."

The inclusion of climate change education in Zambia's school curriculum is a step towards addressing the country's vulnerability to extreme weather. However, Chanda's efforts highlight the importance of ensuring that marginalized communities, such as the deaf, are not left behind in this crucial education.

As Zambia continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the work of individuals like Bridget Chanda and Elizabeth Motale is vital. Their dedication to educating and empowering the deaf community ensures that everyone has the knowledge and tools to adapt to a changing climate.

Key Takeaways

• 18-year-old Bridget Chanda educates Zambia's deaf community about climate change.
• Zambia experiences frequent extreme weather events, including drought and water scarcity.
• Chanda learned sign language to bond with schoolmates and now translates climate info.
• She works with climate expert Elizabeth Motale to promote sustainable practices.
• Chanda's efforts highlight the importance of inclusive climate change education.