What We Do
In Livingstone, Zambia, access to education for deaf children and adults remains severely limited. More than 250 deaf individuals lack the resources and support they need to thrive. Many families face financial hardship, making education inaccessible and leaving children without the skills they need for a brighter future.
For those living in rural villages kilometers away from Livingstone, transportation is yet another barrier—keeping many deaf children from ever setting foot in a classroom.
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we are closing this gap by providing
- A tailored education designed for deaf students
- Two healthy meals a day to support learning and well-being
- Safe transportation to and from school, ensuring access for all
With these essential resources, our students gain the language, academic skills, and confidence they need to transition into high school and beyond—empowered to reach their full potential.
1. We Provide a Nurturing Environment
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we believe every child thrives in an environment of care, encouragement, and individualized support. Our teachers receive ongoing training to ensure each student feels valued, understood, and empowered.
We focus on building confidence and self-esteem, ensuring every child receives the attention they need—especially those lacking support at home. Through a nurturing approach, we greet our students with warmth, enthusiasm, and positivity, reinforcing their strengths and celebrating their growth.
By fostering a space where children feel safe, supported, and inspired, we help them unlock their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally.
2. We Remove Barriers to Education
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we believe every child deserves access to education—regardless of financial circumstances or distance from school. To ensure that no barrier stands in the way of a child’s right to learn, we provide a free, high-quality education, safe transportation to and from school, and two nutritious meals each day.
Students receive all necessary uniforms and supplies, allowing them to focus on their education without worrying about basic needs. Removing these obstacles creates a learning environment where deaf children can thrive, build confidence, and prepare for a brighter future.
3. We Faciliate Active Learning
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we foster an active, engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, explore new ideas, and express themselves freely.
Sign language is at the heart of our classrooms, helping students expand their vocabulary, develop strong communication skills, and build confidence.
We also encourage peer mentorship, where older students support and guide younger learners—creating a collaborative, inclusive space where everyone has a voice.
4. We Work With Families
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we believe that a child’s success begins with strong family support. That’s why we work closely with parents and caregivers, offering workshops on communication, sign language, and ways to support their child’s education at home.
Through open days and ongoing dialogue, we create a collaborative relationship with families, discussing student progress, challenges, and successes along the way.
By strengthening these connections, we ensure that students receive the encouragement they need to thrive in school and at home.
5. We Utilize Team Building and Life Skills
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we emphasize teamwork and collaboration, recognizing that many deaf children have previously been excluded from group activities and decision-making.
We create opportunities for students to work together to solve problems, make collective decisions, and develop self-confidence—whether in the classroom or during play. By fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility, we help students build the social and leadership skills they will carry into adulthood.
Beyond teamwork, we focus on essential life skills that prepare our students for independence and inclusion in their communities. From hygiene and self-care to problem-solving and empathy, we ensure they have the tools needed to thrive beyond the classroom. Our goal is to equip every student with the confidence and practical skills to lead fulfilling, self-sufficient lives.
6. We Provide Opportunities to Experience the World
Every term, we organize local trips for our students to explore nearby attractions. Past excursions have included visiting the Livingstone Crocodile Farm, a safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Game Park, and a river cruise, where students observed hippos and other wildlife from a shaded boat while enjoying snacks.
Most recently, students had the opportunity to visit the mighty Victoria Falls, experiencing the awe of the “Smoke that Thunders,” a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Numbers Speak
Every year we work to increase the support for each child, aiming for our students to excel in Zambian society.
Students Enrolled
Meals Provided
K
Students Received Winter Clothes
Students Proceeded to Next Grade
Field Trips
School Uniforms Provided
How We Work
Bringing Dreams within Reach for Deaf Children
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we provide a comprehensive education for students ranging in age from three to twenty-two. Each day begins with a nutritious breakfast, followed by classes from 08:00 to 14:00, where students engage in subjects such as science, art, math, and life skills. Midday, students receive a nutritious lunch, ensuring they have the energy and focus needed to learn and grow.
For many of our students, this is their first true learning experience—some were previously unable to attend school, while others struggled in environments where they couldn’t communicate. With teachers proficient in sign language, we ensure that every student has access to education in a language they understand.
Beyond academics, we equip students with practical skills that empower them beyond the classroom. Carpentry, photography, gardening, and sewing provide valuable hands-on experience, fostering independence, creativity, and future career opportunities.
The Keys to a Bright Future for Deaf Students
Deaf children often face discrimination, exclusion, and even mistreatment—not just from their communities but sometimes within their own families. Lack of understanding, rather than malice, is often the root of these challenges.
To bridge this gap, DeSanto Centre for the Deaf launched a community outreach initiative, offering workshops for parents and caregivers. The response was overwhelming. Families, educators, and even individuals with no prior connection to the Deaf community came together to learn Sign Language and new ways to support deaf children.
The impact was profound. For many children, this was the first time they truly felt understood. Parents shared stories of transformed relationships, where frustration was replaced with communication and isolation with connection. These workshops are not just about learning a language—they are about building a more inclusive, compassionate future for deaf children.
Nutritional Meals to Fuel Knowledge Gain
Each morning, students at DeSanto Centre for the Deaf are greeted with a nutritious breakfast, ensuring they start their day energized and ready to learn. After breakfast, story time encourages them to engage in language development through pictures and sign language, building both communication skills and confidence.
At lunchtime, students gather to share a meal, fostering conversations and connections. We recognize that a well-nourished child is better able to focus, absorb knowledge, and succeed academically.
Beyond eating, students also learn valuable life skills by helping prepare meals—a vital part of Zambian culture. They gain hands-on experience cooking traditional dishes, building independence while enjoying the meals they’ve made.