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Zimbabwe teacher empowers deaf communities on climate change

Tawanda Mupatsi | Julia Mielke
December 18, 2025

Douglas Mapeta, a sign language teacher in Zimbabwe, helps deaf communities prepare for climate challenges. He also raises awareness about solar power.

https://p.dw.com/p/554bq

In Zimbabwe, floods and droughts are becoming more frequent. For deaf communities, the dangers are particularly serious.

Douglas Mapeta offers free sign-language lessons to ensure vital climate and disaster information reaches everyone. It's one of the country's 16 official languages, yet few people master it.

Together with colleague John Vudzi, he promotes sustainable farming and solar solutions in his classes, proving that communication and adaptability go hand in hand in the fight against climate change.

Tawanda Mupatsi | DW Reporter standing in a field
Tawanda Mupatsi A TV reporter and author based in Zimbabwe, Tawanda enjoys working on environmental stories.