Unique Fashion Show set for global Deaf Week

DAR ES SALAAM: ENTREPRENEURS with hearing disability have been urged to partake in the forthcoming Wape Nafasi Deaf Fashion Show, pegged on September 20th in Dar es Salaam.

The event aims to promote an inclusive culture and, most importantly, provides a platform for traders with hearing disabilities to showcase their products to consumers.

Briefing the Daily News Digital today, August 28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Ms Esther Jaswant, founder of Ella Foundation, which has organized the event, says the event is a game-changer for all entrepreneurs with hearing problems.

“People with hearing disability are very talented…they are capable of making different products of high quality like clothes, shoes, and others which will be showcased on the day to attendees.

“The good thing about this show is that it is free of charge to all deaf entrepreneurs who will exhibit their products on the day; as such, they just need to get registered with us.

“I believe that many people will come to have a look at what deaf people can do as far as entrepreneurship is concerned…we strive to empower them with the little resources we have for the sake of economically transforming their lives,” says Ms Esther.

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She also reveals that her daughter, Ella, who was born deaf, is part of the reason that led her to establish the foundation, which is named after her (Ella).

“Ella is 11 years old now and she uses hearing assistive devices daily, which somehow helps in terms of communication,” she says.

One way forward, Ms Jaswant discloses that they want to advocate for sign language to be taught in primary and secondary schools so that learners can easily communicate with deaf people.

“Sign language is fundamental and has to be taught at an early stage…we have many deaf people in our communities who are deprived opportunity to socialise simply because their normal colleagues have not mastered this language,” she says.

Moreover, she discloses that the fashion show will go hand in hand with the commemoration of International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) that commences on September 20th annually.