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Despite possessing enormous potentials that are significant to individual and national development, the majority of deaf people in Uganda experience hostilities that undermine their ability to lead independent and productive lives. Societies where they live are characterised by traditional prejudices and negative attitudes towards any form of disability and as a result, many face discrimination and marginalisation from life opportunities, are neglected from childhood and exposed to exploitation. It is upon these harsh realities that Deaf Link Uganda was established to respond to the needs of the deaf.
The organisation operates three projects based in Uganda’s urban and rural environments aimed to:
- Promote entrepreneurship through supporting innovative self-employed individuals who are economically self sufficient;
- Enable deaf children and youth gain access to educational and skills training opportunities;
- Enhance the strength of the Deaf Community and instill dignity among individuals in their struggle to become productive member of society.
- Provide opportunities that enable one realise their potentials and gain a sense of self worth which is significant to positive wellbeing;
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Education [click to view]
- This project provides free-of-cost education and information to deaf and hard of hearing youth living in urban, semi-urban and rural areas. Programmes include: Life Skills Training, sexual reproductive health, functional literacy, business skills training, human rights and Deaf Women's Forum (an initiative that brings deaf women together to discuss issues that affect their lives). Lessons are conducted by trained staff members who work as peer educators to impart knowledge, skills and share information on current issues within our societies. Local community members and parents of deaf individuals are also invited and encouraged to participate through sharing experiences on issues related to Disabilities.
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Micro credit [click to view]
- Tweyambe Deaf Development Project (TDDP) is based in Central region (urban)
Tweyambe is a word from the Luganda language meaning: “Lets Help Ourselves” and Eganganakinos Deaf Development Project (EDDP) based in Eastern region (rural), Eganganakinos is a word from the Ateso language meaning “Lets Support Each Other”. TDDP & EDDP support self-employed deaf and hard of hearing entrepreneurs who manage and own a business, by providing small loans at minimal interest rates to improve their income and economic capacities. This project began as a response to the harsh economic realities that most deaf people experience, with the majority of deaf children disadvantaged from a very early age. Without access to education or vocational training opportunities, they are unskilled and ill-prepared for a future working life and realise an unjust system that awaits them in adult life. Because experiences of socio-economic deprivation, discrimination and exploitation are common, self-employment is a viable solution and a key economic empowerment.
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Mobilisation [click to view]
- Deaf people comprise a significant minority that is mostly based in rural areas. Due to poor infrastructure, lack of services to services and deeply entrenched cultural prejudices, the majority are ostracised and isolated. Many deaf children are hidden from the public and as a result face untold abuses. The Mobilisation Project was set up to identify deaf people living in remote areas and bring them out so that they become members of a Deaf Community
Educational Support
The Mobilisation Project identifies and undertakes assessment of educational needs of deaf children who require financial assistance to access education. The projects pays for school fees and educational requirements in addition to ensuring that families too make some contribution and take full responsibility to follow up on their son’s or daughter’s educational progress. Beneficiaries of educational support are selected based on extreme financial difficulties within the family.
In addition, apprenticeship opportunities in skills training are given to deaf youth who have not been able to pursue further education – through providing placements in various fields
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Humantarian Support
Given to deaf and hard of hearing people experiencing difficult life circumstances and struggle to cope with daily living. In assessing their needs, we work with them to identify areas of support and provide assistance to enable them improve their livelihoods. Families are encouraged to participate in finding solutions to issues that result in exclusion and deprivation, address issues related to communication barriers and create better understanding and appreciation of a deaf person as a dynamic member within their family and community.
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