To promote inclusivity and self-expression, Foto4Change has successfully donated professional photography equipment and provided hands-on training in visual storytelling to students of Deaf Zimbabwe Trust College.
This initiative aims to empower the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community by equipping them with storytelling skills to amplify their voices and experiences through powerful imagery.
During the training session, students enthusiastically engaged in learning the fundamentals of visual storytelling, including composition, lighting, and framing compelling narratives.
The interactive workshops allowed them to explore creative perspectives and express themselves through images, fostering confidence and self-reliance.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, the Executive Director of Deaf Zimbabwe Trust Md Babra Nyangairi expressed deep gratitude to Foto4Change for their unique support.
“This donation and training are truly transformative for our students. Visual storytelling is a universal language, and with these tools, our students can share their experiences with the world.
“We are committed to making the most of this opportunity by forming a visual storytelling club that will nurture talent and encourage students to consider storytelling as a viable career path,” she said.
The Team Lead of Foto4Change, Geoffrey Buta, shared the motivation behind the initiative, stating, “This donation came after reading about the incredible work Deaf Zimbabwe Trust is doing to change the lives of Deaf children in this area. Their dedication to advocacy, education, and inclusivity inspired us to contribute in a way that aligns with our mission empowering marginalised communities through storytelling.
“We believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has a story worth telling, and visual storytelling provides a powerful medium to do just that.”
Buta emphasised that visual storytelling is more than just capturing images, it is a tool for advocacy, self-expression, and career development.
“Through this initiative, we are not only giving cameras; we are giving these students a voice, a chance to document their realities, and an opportunity to explore professional pathways in storytelling. This program has already transformed lives in three Deaf schools in Ghana, and we are excited to see its impact here in Zimbabwe,” he added.
By scaling Up the impact, we are happy to officially launch Foto4Change in Zimbabwe, which we believe will open doors for an expanded impact across the country, he said.
He also, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, that it is just the beginning where we want to scale up this project to support many more Deaf students, enabling them to tell their own stories to be heard, and actively engage in public dialogue.
“For too long, they have been left behind in conversations about development and change. Through this initiative, we aim to change that narrative,” said the Team Lead of Foto4change.
Buta said, by expanding the project, Foto4Change seeks to create more opportunities for Deaf students to develop skills in visual storytelling, filmmaking, and digital media, allowing them to contribute to national and global conversations on social transformation.
Impact and Future Prospects
The introduction of visual storytelling training at Deaf Zimbabwe Trust College is expected to have a lasting impact on the students and the broader DHH community. By forming a storytelling club, the school aims to provide continuous skill development, allowing students to explore storytelling as a profession. The initiative also seeks to challenge stereotypes about the capabilities of the Deaf community and create new career pathways in media, arts, and communication.
Additionally, Foto4Change has pledged to maintain engagement with the school through mentorship programs, advanced training sessions, and possible exhibition opportunities to showcase the students’ work. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation of visual storytellers.
About Foto4Change
Foto4Change is a multimedia initiative dedicated to using photography, video, and immersive storytelling to drive social impact. Aligning with five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it focuses on advocacy, education, and innovation, amplifying voices from marginalized communities through visual storytelling.