Working together to build a community where all children, all abilitied, can access education for a bright future.
DEAAF, Deaf Education & Arts for African Families, was created with the vision to provide education to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The DeSanto Centre is the space we are able to implement this vision. We work with parents so they can better communicate with their children and, in addition, strive to eradicate the negative stigma associated with deaf children. In raising social awareness, we encourage the local community to participate in educating not only deaf children but also themselves regarding deaf culture. By affiliating our organisation with the community, governmental, and not-for-profit organisations, we aspire to initiate and manage programs highlighting the fact that deaf people in Africa are capable of making a positive contribution to society.
The DeSanto Centre for the Deaf teaches and encourages Sign language, English, Math, Reading, Writing, HIV/AIDS, Social Skills, Hygiene, and more. The DeSanto Centre for the Deaf and DEAAF (Deaf Education and Arts for African Families) are one and the same.
Our Approach
We Facilitate Safe Learning Spaces
DEAAF’s guiding principles are to provide a safe, nurturing environment for deaf students in order for them to succeed. We do everything within our power to make education holistic and fun. We utilize open communication, encouraging questions and curiosity. We want our students to feel at home knowing they can make mistakes and have bad days, but we are here to support them regardless. We make sure to boost the self-esteem of our students, allowing them compliments they have never been given before: “you are smart”, “you are beautiful”, “you are important.” We believe every child needs to believe in themselves in order to achieve their goals.
Our philosophy is to “release the fragrance” of love and humanity. The oneness of humanity is our main purpose on earth. We were born to help one another. We work as a team, together in unity to reach our goals.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, enriching environment for deaf students to grow to their full potential.
Our Vision
DEAAF aims to provide the deaf children of Livingstone with an education that may be their only hope to experience and enrich the world around them through their own unique gifts.
Our Story
In 2002, an American volunteer named Lisa Zahra moved to Zambia, an undertaking which was contingent upon her finding her own funding for airfare, lodging, and food. Utilizing over 20 years of experience as an Interpreter for the Deaf, she taught sign language, english, history, and other educational basics to a community of deaf children living in poverty-stricken Monze, Zambia. She has now re-located to Livingstone Zambia continuing with her efforts to provide a much needed Centre for the Deaf. With her came several former deaf students who have earned their teaching degrees and are now giving back and helping the centre expand.
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.
Juvensio
Juvensio is a former deaf student of Lisa's. He graduated from Kitwe College with a degree in Special Education. He teaches 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.