Introduction / History

In many situations, Deaf people are viewed as disability groups, but a more accurate approach is to consider them as distinct people groups. They have their own unique languages and culture.

Unlike most people groups, Deaf people can be found in every country in the world and often blend in with the broader community around them. That includes the Deaf in Eswatini. In that country they use the Swazi sign language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Hearing impairment and deafness are serious disabilities that can impose a heavy social and economic burden on individuals, families, communities, and countries, including Eswatini. Most Deaf children learn their values, morals and social behaviors from older Deaf children, television or movies.

Children with hearing impairment often experience delayed development of speech, language and cognitive skills. They are often very frustrated with hearing people, especially their parents, siblings, teachers, classmates and pastors. They often say, "If you really valued (loved) me, you could learn to sign, but I cannot learn to hear!" In Eswatini, they offer sign language training for parents to rectify this.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The vast majority of the Deaf have no religion at all. Most have only visually seen the outward trappings of religion and have never had it explained to them. Hearing Sunday School teachers and pastors, like hearing parents, are unable to communicate with the Deaf.

What Are Their Needs?

In adults, hearing impairment and deafness make it difficult to obtain, perform and keep employment. Many are either dependent on their extended family for support or resort to immoral activities to survive.

Another need is for more teachers who know sign language and can teach it. Schools, especially schools for the Deaf, are underfunded, and rare. Families often must live in urban centers to have needed access.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to pave the way for the spiritual needs of the Deaf in Eswatini.
Pray for the Lord to reach the Deaf in Eswatini through dreams and visions.
Pray for him to raise up loving Christians to work in Deaf schools.

Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Eswatini.

References

Anonymous
https://www.intersignuniversity.com/post/eswatini-facts
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1216796.pdf
https://www.africa-press.net/eswatini/all-news/dpm-opens-sign-language-training-workshop-for-parents-of-deaf-students