What is a Developmental Delay?
“A developmental delay is when your child is slow to reach one or more developmental milestones compared to their peers. Developmental milestones include skills such as smiling for the first time, rolling over, pulling up to stand, waving “bye-bye”, taking a first step” – Cleveland Clinic.
Children living in low to middle income households in Zimbabwe who experience developmental delays, may be doing so without the notice of their families or peers. Consequently, children face difficulties in interacting with family or friends and come across more serious conditions later on. According to SSM Health, there isn’t only one cause for developmental delays and it is critical to identify delays and seek help as soon as possible. Without early intervention, young children facing developmental delays could begin experiencing more serious conditions down the line. Early Intervention services are crucial for these youngsters to avoid developing disabilities or other serious conditions.
Nzeve has identified a gap between children facing delays and the support they need within Manicaland. Lack of awareness of developmental delays by parents or teachers is a major contributor. In addition, fear, stigma and discrimination also prevent families from seeking help, even if they have recognized the signs. Social stigma and cultural beliefs become barriers between the child and the help they need.
“In order to avoid long term disability, early detection, and intervention is warranted.” – Khan and Leventhal in Development Delays, National Library of Medicine 2023.
Geographical location is also a major influence affecting inaccessibility to services. Children who experience developmental delays and live in rural areas have limited exposure to these services as there are few, if any, nearby. Families face issues like inaccessibility to transport, education, and stigma. In addition, the facilities that are available in their local areas have limited access to appropriate training and professional services. As a result, signs of developmental delays go unnoticed, and support hits wide of the mark.
If you suspect your child or family member is experiencing developmental delays and would like assistance, please fill in this contact form.
Communication Group
Nzeve has developed an educational Communication Group that encourages and supports children with developmental delays of any kind (not just hearing) in helping them to overcome these delays. The group works with the children to enhance their coordination, strength, speech, and the support they get from their families. It educates families on how to interact with their children in healthy ways, guiding them in the right direction. One of the group’s primary aims is to support families raising a child with developmental delays. Activities include: parent support sessions, teacher intervention, monthly speech therapy sessions, and take-home tasks. These are crafted such that families learn how to support their Deaf child in every aspect of their lives.
Our Impact
The children’s progress has been inspiring and life-changing. Many parents have shared success stories on how their lives have changed. Parents particularly noted how the group has helped them to connect with and support their child. The children who struggled to talk ,walk or sit have overcome these milestones. Nzeve is there to celebrate that with them every step of the way.
“I am very grateful for Nzeve and the teachers who have tirelessly helped my child. She had delays in her speech but now I can have conversations with her and she can even sing!” – a parent.
Makorokoto!
Nzeve recently held a graduation ceremony for seven young graduates who completed the group with flying colours. Hosted by Mr Mandha from the Learner Welfare Psychological Services and Special Needs Department, the children celebrated their growth with their families, friends and the Nzeve staff. The little graduates are equipped and fully supported for their next chapter in life.
The success of the group is heavily dependent on the support Nzeve receives. Being able to provide services and intervention, as well as family support, is time-consuming and cost heavy. However, with the on-going donations to Nzeve, the group has been fruitful and sustainable. Through the GlobalGiving platform and partnerships, we continue to look to the future with positivity and hope, as Nzeve expands its reach across Manicaland. With current economic hardships and inaccessibility to services, Nzeve’s work is imperative in helping where possible.
