National Association of Hearing-Impaired conducts congress

Asmara, 09 August 2026—The National Association of Hearing Impaired conducted its fifth congress in Asmara on 8 August under the theme “Sign Language: Center of Attraction for the Overall Development

of the Hearing Impaired.” The congress was attended by ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, and representatives of the association from all regions of the country.

Noting that hearing impairment, beyond its impact on communication, also affects the teaching-learning process, Mr. Woldemicael Se’ele, chairman of the association, called for integrated efforts to address the challenges facing citizens with hearing impairment. He also said that the congress will significantly contribute to encouraging investment in the development and expansion of sign language.

Mr. Mihreteab Fesehaye, Director General of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, said that the Government is working to create a conducive environment that enables citizens with hearing impairment to access equitable opportunities, like other citizens living with various disabilities.

At the congress, the National Association of Eritrean War Disabled Veterans, the National Association of Visually Impaired, and the National Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disability presented messages of solidarity.

According to the report presented at the congress, the National Association of Hearing Impaired implemented commendable activities between its fourth and fifth congresses, including ensuring the rights of people with hearing impairment, improving their livelihoods, developing sign language, expanding educational opportunities, and enhancing public understanding.

The congress also elected a new executive committee for a four-year term.

The National Association of Hearing Impaired, established in 1998, has about 30,000 members nationwide, 40% of whom are female.