Sililo Foundation: Voice of Persons with Disabilities

27/09/2026

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEAF PEOPLE | 27 SEPTEMBER 2026

Today, as we mark the International Day of Deaf People, we celebrate Deaf people, Deaf culture and the strength of the Deaf community.

It is also a moment to reflect on the importance of sign language rights, accessibility and inclusion.

At Sililo Foundation, we believe that Deaf people must be at the centre of decisions that affect their lives.

As we conclude the International Week of Deaf People, we continue to amplify the call for the enactment of the Sign Language Act in Zambia.

Nothing About Us Without Us.

Recognise. Include. Empower.

Today, we amplify the voice of Nawa Mufuzi, one of the Top 10 finalists in our 2025 Essay Writing Competition, as he shares his perspective on why this call matters.

In the video is Nawa Mufuzi, one of our Top 10 Finalists in the 2025 Sililo Foundation Essay Writing Competition, themed “A Call to the Zambian Government to Enact the Sign Language Act.”

Follow. Share. Engage. Advocate.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sililo-foundation-voice-of-persons-with-disabilities_internationaldayofdeafpeople-internationalweekofdeafpeople-activity-7509977832375369728-976A?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAADAfLwMBz9z1Ts8YWdYZ87FOd33RLlogJzE

21/09/2026

INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF DEAF PEOPLE 2026
21–27 September 2026

The International Week of Deaf People begins today, bringing together Deaf communities and allies around the world to celebrate Deaf identity, culture, language and human rights. This year’s overarching theme is “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”

MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2026

20 Years of the CRPD and National Sign Languages

Today marks 20 years since the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a landmark framework that recognises the importance of national sign languages and the rights of Deaf people.

Twenty years on, the recognition of national sign languages is not simply about acknowledging a language. It is about recognising Deaf people as equal rights-holders and ensuring that their human rights can be fully exercised through their language.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ZAMBIA?

Zambia ratified the CRPD in 2010 and has taken steps to domesticate the Convention through legislation, including the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012. However, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has specifically recommended that Zambia recognise the national sign language as an official language and strengthen legislative and policy measures to ensure access to information and public services through sign language.

This is why the call for the enactment of a Sign Language Act in Zambia remains important.

At Sililo Foundation, we believe that recognition must be accompanied by legal protection, implementation and meaningful access. A Sign Language Act can provide an important legal framework for advancing the recognition and use of sign language and strengthening Deaf people’s access to education, information, public services and participation in society.

As we begin this important week, we invite everyone to learn, engage, amplify and advocate for sign language rights.

National sign languages are languages.
Deaf people are rights-holders.
Sign language rights are human rights.

Join Sililo Foundation in the call for the enactment of the Sign Language Act in Zambia.

In the video is Mapalo Chime, one of our Top 10 Finalists in the 2025 Sililo Foundation Essay Writing Competition, themed “A Call to the Zambian Government to Enact the Sign Language Act.”

Follow. Share. Engage. Advocate.

18/09/2026

18/09/2026

Happy Friday!

Keep shining a light on accessibility and inclusion.

Together, we can make a difference!

14/09/2026

DEAF AWARENESS MONTH: YOUR VOICE CAN HELP ADVANCE SIGN LANGUAGE RIGHTS IN ZAMBIA

September is a month to raise awareness, celebrate Deaf people and, most importantly, take action towards a more inclusive Zambia.

At Sililo Foundation, we are using this month to build momentum towards the enactment of the Sign Language Act in Zambia, and we invite you to be part of the movement.

So, how can you get involved?

LEARN
Take time to learn about Deaf culture, sign language and the barriers faced by Deaf people in accessing education, healthcare, employment, justice and public services.

AMPLIFY THE MESSAGE
Follow our social media pages, like, comment on and share our campaign posts. Use your platforms to help more people understand why the recognition and protection of sign language rights matters.

LISTEN TO DEAF VOICES
Engage with and share stories, experiences and perspectives from Deaf people. Advocacy is strongest when the people whose rights are being advocated for are at the centre of the conversation.

START CONVERSATIONS
Talk to your family, friends, colleagues, schools, churches, organisations and communities about the importance of sign language rights and the need for legislative action.

EDUCATE AND ADVOCATE
Encourage institutions and decision-makers to recognise the importance of accessible communication and support efforts towards the enactment of the Sign Language Act.

BE AN ADVOCATE ONLINE
Share our campaign content, tag others who should know about the campaign and encourage your networks to join the conversation.

LET YOUR VOICE COUNT

As we approach the International Day of Sign Languages on 23 September and the International Day for Deaf People on 27 September, let us move beyond awareness to action.

The call is simple:

Recognise sign language.
Protect sign language rights.
Promote inclusion.
Enact the Sign Language Act in Zambia.

This September, don't just be aware, get involved.

Join Sililo Foundation in amplifying the call for a Sign Language Act in Zambia.

In the video is Thando Hikamata, one of our Top 10 Finalists in the 2025 Sililo Foundation Essay Writing Competition, dubbed, “A Call to the Zambian Government to Enact the Sign Language Act.”

02/09/2026

DECLARING DEAF PEOPLE’S HUMAN RIGHTS: VOICES FOR A SIGN LANGUAGE ACT IN ZAMBIA

As we look ahead to the International Day of Sign Languages on 23 September 2026 and the International Day for Deaf People on 27 September 2026, under the 2026 theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” Sililo Foundation is preparing to amplify the voices of young people who have championed the rights of Deaf people in Zambia.

As part of these upcoming commemorations, we will be sharing videos featuring the Top 10 finalists of our Inaugural 2025 Essay Writing Competition, which was held under the theme “A Call to the Zambian Government to Enact the Sign Language Act.”

Their essays were more than just academic submissions; they were calls for inclusion, equality, dignity and human rights. They challenged us to consider what it means to build a Zambia where Deaf people can fully participate in education, employment, public services, governance and everyday life without communication barriers.

This year’s theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” reminds us that Deaf people’s rights are human rights, and sign language rights are an essential part of those rights.

Over the coming weeks, Sililo Foundation will share videos featuring each of our Top 10 finalists, giving them a platform to share their perspectives and renew the call for the enactment of a Sign Language Act in Zambia.

10 voices. 10 perspectives. One powerful call for change.

Join us as we celebrate these young advocates and amplify their message.

Because inclusion is not a favour.
Accessibility is not a privilege.
And sign language rights are human rights.

Let us continue the call for the enactment of a Sign Language Act in Zambia.

25/08/2026

BREAKING BARRIERS. BUILDING INCLUSION. 🇿🇲🤟

FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER 2026, SILENCE WILL NO LONGER BE A BARRIER.

Every video we produce will now feature Sign Language, delivered by our very own Mabvuto Sakala!

This is more than just an update. This is a commitment. A promise that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities will no longer be spectators in Zambia's digital transformation; they will be active participants.

Because true transformation leaves NO ONE behind. 💻📱

Record a short video in Sign Language telling us what content YOU would like to see. Drop it in the comments and let your voice be seen!

This is YOUR platform. Tell us what matters to YOU.

18/08/2026

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE SILILO FOUNDATION ON THE RE-ELECTION OF HIS EXCELLENCY MR. HAKAINDE HICHILEMA AS PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

On behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of the Sililo Foundation, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema on your re-election as President of the Republic of Zambia.

Your re-election is a testament to the confidence that the Zambian people have in your visionary leadership, your commitment to economic recovery, social justice, and inclusive governance.

As an organization that advocates for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities, we are particularly hopeful and optimistic about your second term.

We are confident that under your continued leadership:

1. Inclusion will be deepened: Persons with disabilities will continue to benefit from enhanced access to inclusive education, skills training, and decent employment through the actualization of disability quotas and empowerment programs.
2. Social Protection will be strengthened:
Social cash transfer and other social protection schemes will be expanded to reach more families of persons with disabilities in rural and peri-urban areas.
3. Accessibility and Equity will be prioritized:
We anticipate greater investment in accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies, accessible healthcare, and justice services for persons with disabilities.
4. Representation will be amplified:
Persons with disabilities will now have representation in Parliament through the mixed proportional representation system, and also a stronger voice in decision-making positions and governance structures, in line with your mantra of leaving no one behind.

We pledge our support to your administration in building a Zambia where disability inclusion is not an afterthought, but a cornerstone of national development.

Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. We wish you wisdom and success as you lead our great nation into a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Sincerely,

Edwin Mwiba,

Executive Director,

For and on behalf of the Sililo Foundation

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17/07/2026

Happy Friday! 🎉

Just a reminder: Did you know that making space for disability awareness and acceptance helps everyone feel like they belong?

Wishing you a restful, inclusive weekend filled with good moments.

13/07/2026

Happy New Week!

New week, same mission: dignity, access, and inclusion for all.
Let us keep raising voices and breaking barriers for persons with disabilities.

Nothing About Us Without Us.