Monica Manyanga, a deaf student at Middlesex University Dubai, is making waves by teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to her classmates and faculty while also promoting inclusivity. Originally from Zimbabwe, Manyanga has excelled academically, particularly in information technology, and is passionate about raising awareness about deaf culture.
Through the university’s Language and Culture Exchange program, she has shared useful ASL words and introduced fun games to make learning engaging. Her efforts have helped bridge communication gaps and foster better understanding between her and her peers. Manyanga’s initiative has not only enhanced communication but also brought greater awareness to the challenges faced by the deaf community.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Manyanga attended St. Giles Special School for primary education and later studied at Emerald Hill School for the Deaf. Despite facing challenges, her passion for IT led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Middlesex University Dubai. 
Manyanga’s experiences as a deaf student have made her more aware of the communication challenges in fast-paced academic environments. She relies on visuals and written materials to comprehend lectures and group discussions, often requiring additional support to stay on track.
Dubai’s multicultural environment was a key factor in Manyanga’s decision to pursue her education there. “Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and I enjoy meeting new people and exploring different perspectives,” she said. The university’s commitment to accessibility also played a major role, with services like live captioning, transcription, and hearing loops in lecture halls supporting her academic journey.
Manyanga’s classmates have been instrumental in her university experience, ensuring she stays included in group projects through clear communication and text messaging. “Their support has made my university experience so much better,” she shared.
The impact of her work is evident in the positive feedback from her students. “Learning ASL with Monica helped me understand the deaf culture better,” said Maryam Fatima, a second-year International Business Management student. “The highlight for me was receiving a sign name, which is an important symbol of inclusion in the deaf community.”
Monica’s journey has been guided by the support of the Centre for Academic Success (CAS) team, particularly Siobhan McNiff, who helped her with slides and provided recorded sessions to enhance her learning.
Looking forward, Monica is excited to apply her IT knowledge to the tech industry, particularly in robotics and software development, and is eager to explore the endless possibilities in these fields.
