The International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), a global celebration dedicated to promoting the rights and inclusivity of the Deaf community, is marked annually in the last week of September. Spearheaded by the World Federation of the Deaf, this event raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by Deaf individuals while also celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to society. The 2024 theme for IWDP was "Sign Up for Sign Language Rights."
This year, eKitabu— a publishing company that delivers accessible print, audio, and digital content and innovative programs for inclusive and quality education, expanded its celebration of this important event to three key countries: Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi.
Championing Sign Language Rights for learners who are deaf in Kenyan Schools
On 28 September, eKitabu Kenya came together to celebrate IWDP at Ilbissil Boarding Primary School for the Deaf in Kajiado County. With 24 Deaf Youth, two members from the Federation of Deaf Women Empowerment Network (FEDWEN), and the vibrant Ilbissil school community, this event was an enriching experience aimed at raising awareness, supporting Deaf learners, and strengthening relationships with the local community.
"This event highlights the critical role of sign language in empowering Deaf learners. By promoting sign language rights, we are taking steps toward ensuring that Deaf students are not left behind but instead thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment," said Studio KSL Director Georgine Auma.
The celebration focused on three main goals: raising awareness about the rights of Deaf individuals, engaging with Deaf learners and their families, and providing community service to make a lasting impact. The theme for IWDP 2024, "Sign Up for Sign Language Rights," shaped the day's activities, emphasizing the importance of sign language in ensuring the full inclusion of Deaf individuals.
Fostering Inclusion through Libraries in Rwanda
From 26-27 September, eKitabu Rwanda joined hands with the Rwandan National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) to celebrate the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) in Rubavu District. Hosted at the Rugerero Model Village Community Library and in Rubavu City, they held events engaging the Deaf community and local leaders. eKitabu's team, alongside RNUD representatives and district leaders, worked collaboratively to promote sign language rights, empower learners, and foster stronger connections within the community. Through interactive sessions, sign language lessons, and gift presentations, eKitabu brought an engaging and inclusive atmosphere that encouraged learning through play and community involvement.
“Celebrating IWDP in Rubavu was a meaningful opportunity to bring the Deaf community, parents, and local leaders together in a shared commitment to inclusion. By teaching basic sign language and engaging in interactive activities, we not only strengthened communication but also empowered families and communities to better support Deaf learners. The collaboration with RNUD and local partners has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives that will continue to uplift the Deaf community in Rwanda," said Nadia Nibagwire, Project Manager, eKitabu Rwanda.
The celebration emphasized the importance of partnerships in making a tangible impact. Local leaders played a crucial role in the event’s success, and the positive relationships built with the Rugerero community offer promising opportunities for future collaborations. Engaging parents, supporting learners, and teaching basic Rwandan Sign Language (RSL) were key highlights, ensuring that the Deaf community felt supported and valued. The event underscored the power of community-driven efforts in promoting inclusion and literacy, with follow-up activities like Umuganda literacy being planned to further strengthen these bonds.
Empowering Communication in Malawi
From 23-27 September, eKitabu Malawi in collaboration with the Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD) hosted a transformative Malawian Sign Language Training in Ntchisi, Malawi, bringing together 136 participants, including 60 Deaf learners, their parents, and officials from various educational and disability organizations. The training, led by experienced trainers from MANAD, was a success in enhancing communication between Deaf children and their families.
“This training has been a significant step towards improving communication between Deaf learners and their families. By equipping parents with sign language skills, we are fostering an environment where these children can thrive, both at school and home. It’s inspiring to see such dedication from all involved, and I believe this will have a lasting impact on the community," said Sekerani Kufakwina, Chairperson of the MANAD Advocacy Committee.
Despite the challenges, including long travel distances for parents and the lack of digital devices, the training was well adapted to meet the needs of participants. Trainers adjusted content to suit the literacy levels of many parents, ensuring everyone could follow the sessions. The event underscored the importance of community involvement and resource-sharing to reach a broader audience.
As we continue to collaborate with Deaf communities across Africa, their work serves as a reminder that inclusive education is not just about removing barriers—it is about giving every individual the tools they need to thrive, succeed, and make their voices heard. IWDP provides a unique opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of Deaf individuals while promoting actions that foster a more inclusive society. eKitabu's celebrations in Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi exemplified the power of collaboration, technology, and education in empowering Deaf communities for a brighter future where Deaf individuals are fully included in all aspects of life.