BUILDING DEAF RESILIENCE THROUGH EDUCATION

“Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the World” Nelson Mandela.

Those words echo loud with our long journey in contributing to the education of young deaf people in Uganda. On 19 January 2024, Deaf Link Uganda (DLU) staff and a member of our Board of Directors joined parents at Michelangelo College of Creative Arts in Entebbe, to a colorful graduation ceremony for three of our students who have completed their academic studies in various disciplines.

Sadly, in a country whose literacy rate is 80% in mainstream education, there is no data on literacy levels of deaf and hard of hearing people. This is so, because majority of deaf people live in remote rural areas, with limited access to education. Often, deaf children are neglected by their families which show preference for hearing children. This outright exclusion by parents is due to disillusionment and struggles faced in raising deaf children, widespread lack of awareness of deafness, limited access to information on deafness and a common belief that prospects for a productive future for deaf children are abysmal. As a result of hopelessness, families give up and hence their reluctance to educate their deaf child.

Since its inception in 2007, DLU has invested enormously in the education of deaf children, with unwavering support from friends and partners, to whom we are deeply indebted, for their continued commitment to our students is testimony that they believe and honor our work, sharing in our vision of enabling deaf people to lead productive and meaningful lives.

Our gratitude extends to the educational institutions for educating and mentoring our students to complete academic journey.

Finally, thanks to you: Mutumba Ismail, Turyahikayo Davis and Nalukwago Shauya for your hard work, believing in yourselves and determination to complete your education in respective careers. Congratulation!