Dr Richard Osei Agjei, Dr. Bright Ankudze, Dr. Gifty Nana Yaa Rockson, Dr. Daniel Fobi, and Prof. Mavis Amo-Mensah of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) have jointly won an Erasmus+ Lump Sum Grant for their groundbreaking project, SignUnity: A Continental Collaboration in Sign Language Interpreter VET Education.

The initiative seeks to revolutionise interpreter training across Africa and Europe by creating a standardised vocational education and training curriculum supported by an interactive digital manual on ethics. It directly tackles the global shortage of professionally trained sign language interpreters and the lack of access to quality programmes, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This project is not only a milestone for UEW but also a vital step towards equity and social justice. By training a new generation of skilled interpreters, we are enhancing accessibility, fostering diversity and ensuring that the deaf and hard-of-hearing community is fully included in social and economic life,” said Dr. Agjei.

Dr. Ankudze described the project as future-focused, noting: “This is a project that harnesses digital tools and international collaboration to create sustainable solutions in interpreter education. It will provide lasting benefits for both Africa and Europe.”

With partners from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and several European institutions, the consortium’s multi-stakeholder approach brings together universities, vocational training providers, NGOs, and deaf associations to ensure the curriculum meets labour market needs.

The project also includes workshops, pilot training, mentoring, and exchange programmes, laying the foundation for long-term capacity building and inclusive development.