LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a bid to bridge the gap for visually impaired persons, Malawi Communication Regulatory (MACRA) is committed to advancing communication inclusiveness through the formation of sign language clubs in public schools.

Speaking after opening week-long training for trainers, MACRA Director General Daudi Suleman said the regulatory body wants broadcasters to embrace sign languages in their programming.

Suleman disclosed that MACRA is set to review all broadcasting licences for television stations in the country for them to include mandatory sign language interpreters in their programming.

“Communication services per the 2016 Communications Act are supposed to be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their geographical location or any inabilities, therefore using sign language interpreters is key in television programming.

“As a regulator, we are fostering an inclusive environment for all. The next step will therefore be to encourage every television station in the country to have well-trained sign language interpreters to close that gap that is there at the moment between the source of information and the impaired audience”, said Suleman.

The project which is being implemented through the Ministry of Education is in its first phase which will cover 12 districts in the country.

In her remark, Principal Secretary (PS) for Basic Education, Rachel Chimbwete Phiri therefore appealed to teachers being trained in sign language interpretation to promote inclusiveness in the communication sector.

Phiri said there is a gap that needs to be closed to achieve what the 2016 Communication Act stipulates.

“At the moment we are facing challenges in Communication with those who have hearing impairments. Therefore this training is essential as it will train the trainers who we teach from both primary and secondary schools.

“We therefore intend to promote sign language interpretation in the country. I feel this is a catalyst yo closing the communication gap”, she said.

One of the participants, Annie Kabuluzi from Lilongwe Girls Secondary lauded MACRA for allowing her to acquire more knowledge on sign language.

Kabuluzi assured MACRA to train others on the same in bridging the gap.

Currently, Malawi has 178 schools supporting learners with special needs.