Working together to build a community where all children, all abilitied, can access education for a bright future.
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we believe every child deserves access to education, communication, and opportunity—regardless of their hearing ability. Our mission is to provide high-quality education for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Zambia, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive.
We work closely with parents, empowering them to communicate with their children and break down barriers to inclusion. By raising social awareness, we challenge the stigma surrounding deafness and encourage the broader community to embrace and support deaf culture.
Through collaboration with local organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit partners, we are building a more inclusive society where deaf individuals can contribute fully and achieve their potential.
The DeSanto Centre for the Deaf is recognized and authorized to teach the academic curriculum developed by the Zambian Ministry of Education, which includes English, Math, Reading, and Writing. In addition to the traditional curriculum, our students explore topics such as HIV/AIDS, Social Skills, Hygiene, and more.
DeSanto provides foundational language skills for our students by focusing on both Zambian Sign Language (ZSL) and American Sign Language (ASL). This equips them to connect, belong, and thrive – both locally and globally.
Our Approach
We Facilitate Safe Learning Spaces
At DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, we believe that education flourishes in an environment of safety, encouragement, and belonging. Our classrooms are more than just places of learning—they are spaces where deaf children feel seen, valued, and empowered.
We foster open communication and curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and express themselves freely. Mistakes are part of learning, and we ensure every child knows they are supported no matter what kind of day they are having.
For many of our students, this is the first time they hear words of encouragement — “You are smart. You are capable. You are important.” We work to build their confidence, helping them see their potential and believe in themselves.
A simple but powerful belief is at the heart of our philosophy: humanity thrives when we support one another. Through teamwork, love, and unity, we are building a future where deaf children have the education, skills, and self-worth to shape their futures.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, enriching environment for deaf students to grow to their full potential.
Our Vision
To ensure that deaf children in Livingstone, Zambia, receive the education they need to thrive—giving them the tools to explore, contribute, and shape the world through their unique talents.
Our Story: A Calling to Serve Deaf Children in Zambia
Lisa Zahra’s journey to founding the DeSanto Centre for the Deaf began in the U.S., where she worked as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter in public schools. Every day, she saw the resources available to deaf students—interpreters, technology, specialized educators—and she began to wonder: what support did deaf children in Africa have?
That question became more than just a thought. One night, Lisa had a dream that she was in Africa, working with deaf children. Instead of dismissing it, she acted on it — reaching out to a UK-based organization, securing a volunteer position, and boarding a plane to Zambia in 2002.
She started her work in the rural village of Monze, where she saw firsthand the barriers deaf children faced – most had no access to language, education, or even the chance to communicate with their own families. In 2015, she moved to Livingstone to establish what is now the DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, the only school in the region solely dedicated to deaf education.
Lisa has remained a full-time volunteer, receiving only a small stipend so that every dollar raised goes directly to providing children with education, meals, and life skills. Under her leadership, DeSanto has grown into a place of hope, learning, and transformation – where children not only gain an education but reclaim their voices.
“At DeSanto, we believe that every deaf child deserves more than just survival—they deserve to thrive.”
Our Staff
Sydney
Sydney is a former deaf student of Lisa's. He is an allrounder! He is our landscaper, but also helps us with the preschoolers, and stays involved with the children at play time.
Dipo
Dipo has a degree in Special Education and English. She teaches our elementary education students.
Sylvia
Sylvia assists with the elementary education while she pursues her Special Education degree to further her Sign Language skills.
Memory
Memory cooks for our students and helps us maintain a friendly environment with a positive attitude. Memory helps in planning our lessons, and provides feedback since her four sons are deaf.
Lisa
Lisa is the Founder/Director of DEAAF and The DeSanto Centre for the Deaf (one and the same). She's been working in deaf education in Zambia for 20+ years and has over 30 years of experience interpreting. She continues to run the centre, as her passion is teaching deaf children. Lisa has taught life skills to deaf adults along with HIV/AIDS, hygiene, English, Math, Reading and Writing. Lisa has led workshops on non-violent discipline for parents of deaf children. She was invited to lecture at the INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AT BANANI in Lusaka and continues to educate parents in the surrounding villages of Livingstone.
Favor
Favor is our new teacher. She has a degree in Special Education and is a teacher for our older students, grade 5 and up.
Our Sponsors
Gary & Gail DeSanto
Gary and Gail DeSanto have generously allowed Lisa to open the DeSanto Centre for the Deaf. Currently, there are over 300 deaf children and adults living in Livingstone. If it were not for Gary and Gail DeSanto, the dream of building this school would have died a long time ago. Mr. DeSanto and his team in Philadelphia work hard to raise funds and make sure that operations run seamlessly, allowing the team on the ground to educate and build futures for deaf students.
Kennedy Mwewa
The Ministry of Education in Livingstone Zambia has approved The DeSanto Centre for the Deaf, as well as the Disabilities Office who have been instrumental in ensuring our progress. Special thanks to Kennedy Mwewa, former Officer in charge of The Disabilities Office in Livingstone.