Livelihoods, one of DLU’s intervention programmes set up to improve lives and welfare of deaf people, their families and communities works particularly in remote rural areas where marginalisation and poverty are commonly experienced. Under this programme, Parents Business Group (PBG) was conceived and initiated in 2013 to support families with income generating solutions aimed at increasing socio-economic status. With the deaf child/youth as the focus of intervention, the activity begins with the identification of prospective participants to whom DLU donates farm animal such as, turkeys, sheep, pigs, hens or goats to rear for income within family homesteads. Since its inception, over 30 families in five districts namely, Ngora, Kumi, Bukedea, Sironko and Mpigi have benefitted with positive outcomes witnessed and restoration of dignity. Three or more turkeys are given to each family with a one-year period that operates in a revolving system. The cycle has continued to-date resulting in opportunities for increased income within families of the deaf, enabling interaction among families with common experiences on deafness – to share and exchange information, thus overcoming stigma and personal prejudices towards deafness. Friendships have evolved with strong community networks.

There’s increased appreciation of deaf people as a dynamic source of income, capable of independent living as a contributing member of their families and communities.

In 2018 a deaf woman in Osion village received 3 turkeys and after completing her cycle returned 3 turkeys to DLU, which donated these to another deaf person. She’s since upgraded and currently owns 3 cows and 6 goats. She’s the pride of her family!

Deaf woman shares experiences of increased livestock due to turkey sales. Osion village – Kumi District