uLearn23 | Presenters

Thando Mpozori was born Deaf and moved to New Zealand from Zimbabwe at age 11. Thando grew up in Deaf education in both Zimbabwe and New Zealand, and is currently a student at Tū Kōkiri, Ko Taku Reo. Here, Thando has had the opportunity to learn life skills, be involved with Deaf youth leadership events and to be involved with a Deaf youth theatre project, all of which she has loved.

Thando has keen interest in music and dance, with aspirations to prove that Deaf people can have a strong and unique connection to music and dance. Thando has lived and experienced the barriers Deaf people face to equal access and has hopes for improving the outlook for Deaf youth.

Thando is enthusiastic about advocating for access, independence, and success, with the message that Deaf people can achieve what they dream of. Thando was selected as one of four Deaf youth to represent New Zealand at the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section camp in Jeju, South Korea in July 2023. She hopes this experience will enable her to meet, network with and learn about other Deaf people’s lives helping to build skills in promoting Deaf equality and access in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Session Description:

Understanding Deaf Opportunities and the Importance of Community: An International Deaf Experience

The session will talk about my international experiences at the World Federation of Deaf Youth Section Camp held in South Korea, Jeju. Before discussing the impact this opportunity has had on me, it is important I share my journeys about who I am as young Deaf person living in Aotearoa New Zealand. Throughout my education journey I have had many barriers I had to overcome. Often access to equitable opportunities is rare in New Zealand.

On the International Deaf stage there is a strong sense of community, connection and access. The sense of visual communication meant there were little barriers for me and I could be worry free. This golden opportunity meant we could learn about the following in an equal way: Deaf Rights Different cultures International Deaf status Net working Ageism Deaf Spaces

I hope my presentation brings awareness of what equitable opportunities, community, and unity look like from two Deaf rangatahi in a world designed against us.

Contexts:

Equity capability.
Partnerships for equity – whānau, iwi and community.
Identities, languages and cultures.