Since 2008, Kulanu’s Deaf Education Project has provided special education for deaf children from Jewish communities in Uganda. These children from the Abayudaya village of Namutumba were previously marginalized and denied opportunities due to poverty and public ignorance of the potential of deaf people. Unfortunately, handicapped children in Uganda are frequently isolated and hidden. The deaf children Kulanu assists come from very poor agricultural villages in eastern Uganda. Many of their parents are pre-literate themselves and came to Kulanu to find appropriate help for their children. Prior to this project’s development, the children were receiving no schooling and had only rudimentary means of communication. They were reticent and fearful, reluctant to make eye contact. Now they are full participants in the rich secular and Jewish life of their community due to sign language acquisition and English literacy.
Thanks to generous Kulanu donors, the students now study at Kavule School for the Deaf for primary school, and Mbale School for the Deaf for high school. They learn Ugandan Sign Language, how to read and write in English, as well as skills in math, history, science, and vocational training. They amaze their families with their newfound knowledge and confidence. At home, they participate in services at their synagogue and can read from the siddur in English. Most importantly, they learn they are not the only deaf people in the world and they become a part of a vibrant deaf community.
Laura Wetzler, Kulanu’s Deaf Education Project Coordinator, provides guidance and oversight, together with Ugandan counterparts, Dr. Samson Wamani and teacher Miriam Mubole. Please use the contact form to reach Laura with any questions.
Want to help? Click here to donate to the Deaf Education Project.