Born in hearing families of parents without any experience or exposure to sign language, the majority of deaf children begin early childhood without language, with limited opportunities for education. For many, deafness is diagnosed later in life, missing out on critical years of language acquisition. The minority who gain access to education, language is encountered for the first time when they enrol at a special school for the Deaf. Sign language is a human right for every deaf child - it’s the channel for cognitive, social and interactive skills development that builds a child’s self-esteem, self-discovery and identity that connects children to the Deaf Community. Acquiring sign language in early childhood creates possibilities for positive educational outcomes and valuable learning experiences. DLU highlights language in all its pillars of intervention in supporting young deaf people and their families.    

In 2022 DLU organised the National DEAR Day event in partnership with the Ministry of Education & Sports, Peace Corps, Rotary, Oasis Book Project, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and other stakeholders, celebrations were held at Mulago School for the Deaf for the first time. This event gave rise to DLU’s Literacy Development Project (LDP), which has continued to date, in partnership with schools for the Deaf.  

Conceived through DEAR Day, LDP was formed to respond to low literacy among deaf children. The project set off to introduce and promote a culture of reading (through story-telling) in the early years of children’s education. DLU collaborated with Oasis Book Project to procure readers that are within the context of Uganda’s diverse and multilingual cultures; Oasis also donates readers towards this activity, which DLU undertakes in partnership with Uganda School for the Deaf. Written stories are translated into sign language by Deaf instructors, giving children direct access to their primary language and giving them opportunities to share their own stories. The activity has increased children’s self-esteem and boosted their communication and language skills. Following last year’s DEAF Day theme: Create Hope through Reading is paving way to positive outcomes in all areas of learning. The African Readers are uniquely placed in children’s early learning development. The central character, Jomo is depicted as innovative, intelligent and humours. The ease of reading these stories, packed with colourful pictorials brings invaluable joy and fosters interest in learning among deaf children.

Children receive book donations from DLU & A reading session with Primary 2 pupils

LIVELIHOODS

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, Paren

ts 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

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

Upon successful completion of their education, majority of deaf youth find barriers in securing and engaging in meaningful employment due to rampant discrimination and exploitation that continue to exist in the job market. Having invested greatly in their education, it is paramount that DLU continues advocating for their employment. To make this viable, we provide additional skilling for the youth in areas of specialization. One of our youth undertook 6 months’ internship training in Tailoring & Fabric Design, working alongside her trainer, a seasoned tailor and mother of a deaf son. The intern makes school uniforms (on order), children/adult clothing, varieties of hand bags as well as repairs when required. During this period, her skills have expanded, with increased interaction with clients and knowledge of the market where materials are purchased. With a vibrant school location, interest has grown among primary school children to learn sign language, adding to a conducive working environment. In March, our visitors had the opportunity of interacting with the intern and her trainer, offering additional tips on how to manage the trade in Uganda’s highly competitive environment    

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