By Magreth Kinabo – Judiciary
This post was originally futured on the judiciary website here
The Judiciary of Tanzania, through the Mediation Center of the High Court, in collaboration with ESS Creative & Legal Foundation, has introduced specialized technology to convert speech into text. This initiative aims to enable deaf and hard of hearing individuals to participate in dispute resolution through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.
The technology, known as “Communication Access Real-Time Translation” (CART), is designed to increase awareness of alternative dispute resolution methods, specifically mediation, among these groups.
Speaking at the end of a one-day training session that involved 10 participants from the deaf community, the Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma, highlighted that this technology will push forward the cause of justice by making it more accessible to a larger audience.
“This training on this unique technology has opened doors for others facing similar challenges, enabling them to resolve conflicts—such as business disputes—through mediation. Therefore, we need your cooperation,” said Hon. Judge Maruma.
Hon. Maruma noted that mediation is a widely used method both in Tanzania and globally. It is cost-effective, saves time—resolving cases within 30 days instead of prolonged court proceedings—and is confidential, without requiring witnesses.
In her address on mediation, High Court Judge Hon. Angela Bahati emphasized that it is a swift and simple process, fostering friendship and relationships. She pointed out that mediation was traditionally practiced by our ancestors, families, religious leaders, and ward councils.
Closing the training, High Court Judge Hon. Arufani Kweka urged the participants to make good use of the knowledge they gained and to help others, becoming catalysts for resolving disputes through alternative means rather than going to court.
ESS Creative & Legal Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Erick Mukiza, whose organization focuses on mediation, shared that he acquired the skill of converting speech to text in the United States. The training was funded by the U.S. government. He added that while he was initially familiar with sign language as a tool for communication, this new technology can further enhance communication for those with hearing disabilities.
“This expertise, which I learned in the United States, is essential for our country to adopt to empower people with these disabilities to engage in mediation for dispute resolution. I will collaborate with the government to ensure this technology reaches as many people as possible,” said Mukiza.
He mentioned that according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, nearly one million people in Tanzania have this disability.
The training was provided to members of the Tanzania Joy Women Entrepreneurship for the Deaf (FUWAVITA) as a pilot project, with plans to expand these sessions nationwide to include all genders.
Aneth Gerana Isaya, FUWAVITA’s Director, expressed gratitude for the training. She also noted that the organization has reached 3,500 women entrepreneurs who face numerous challenges, and appealed for assistance to address these issues.
The Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma, delivered a presentation on the importance of using mediation to resolve conflicts and the role of this technology during the training session.
The CART technology converted the voice of the Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma, into text to enable deaf individuals and those with hearing impairments to access this information, which will help them resolve conflicts through mediation.
Ms. Rahel Peter, a participant in the training, taking notes on mediation topics after following along on the TV screen.
The Executive Director of ESS Creative & Legal Foundation, Mr. Erick Mukiza, speaking about the technology during the training.
The Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma (center), along with the Center's Judges, Hon. Arufani Kweka (left) and Hon. Angela Bahati (right), following the Director's presentation on the TV screen.
The Judge of the Center, Hon. Angela Bahati, delivering a presentation on the importance of using mediation to resolve conflicts.
The Executive Director of ESS Creative & Legal Foundation, Mr. Erick Mukiza (left), the Center's Executive, Ms. Hellen Mkubwa (center), and the Deputy Registrar of the Center, Hon. Augustina Mmbando (right), following along on the screen.
A participant in the training, Ms. Victoria Phillimoni, asking a question using sign language.
A participant in the training, Ms. Agnes Kikoti, asking a question using sign language.
Sign language specialist Ms. Nyamasheki Malima translating sign language into spoken language so the technology can convert it into text, allowing the training participants to understand the questions being asked.
The Deputy Registrar of the Center, Hon. Augustina Mmbando, explaining a point during the training.
The Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma (left), presenting a certificate of participation to the Director of the Furaha Women Deaf Entrepreneurs of Tanzania (FUWAVITA), Ms. Aneth Gerana Isaya.
The Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma (left), presenting a certificate to a participant in the training, Ms. Leah Kyejo.
The Judge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Arufani Kweka (left), closing the training session, with the Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma (right).
The main table in a group photo.
Top and bottom photos of the main table with training participants, including other staff members of the Center.
The main table in a group photo with the training participants, including other Center staff, raising their hands in celebration.
The Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma (left), in a group photo with the Director of the Furaha Women Deaf Entrepreneurs of Tanzania (FUWAVITA), Ms. Aneth Gerana Isaya.
The Judge in Charge of the Mediation Center, Hon. Zahra Maruma (left), in a group photo with the Executive Director of ESS Creative & Legal Foundation, Mr. Erick Mukiza (right).