A Deaf Boy’s Chance to be Heard

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29.

Approximately 1.5 million Zimbabweans are deaf or hard of hearing. Although this estimate comprisies over 9% of the country's population, those who are hearing impaired are often marginalized in their communities due to social stigma, limited verbal communication, and a lack of public accomodations. Children with hearing disabilities are typically kept out school in order to prevent familial shame or embarrassment on account of their condition. 

Mosi is one of these children. He was born completely deaf and as a result he has experienced social isolation, prejudice, and limited opportunity to live as other children his age do. Mosi has been raised to understand that there is something wrong with him, that his disability makes him lesser than the other kids. Mosi's physical and social limitations have caused him to give up his dream of becoming an engineer, thinking he is unable to receive any sort of quality education. His future felt hopeless. 

But praise be to God that RiverCross Champions met Mosi and have been learning sign language in order to communicate with him. They have learned of Mosi's passion for engineering and education, and the struggles and doubt he has grown up with that has caused him to give up on his dreams. RiverCross is now advocating for Mosi and other children with disabilities in his community for their right to a quality education. For the first time, Mosi is being included as an equal among his peers and proving to his community that his worth is not tied to his disability. Even Mosi deserves to be seen and heard. 

*Although the stories we share are true, identifying details have been changed.