Celebrating a Successful Partnership in Uganda: Deaf Child Worldwide and NAPADEC

As Deaf Child Worldwide's support for the National Association for Parents of Deaf Children (NAPADEC) draws to a close in July 2024, we reflect with pride on a partnership that has spanned seven impactful years. Since 2017, our collaboration has been dedicated to a shared vision: improving communication and inclusivity for deaf children and their families. Through this partnership, we have made significant strides to ensure that deaf children and young people are not only included in their families but also in their communities.

A Vision for Inclusive Communication

The core vision of our work together was to enhance communication, creating inclusive environments for deaf children and their families. Over the years, this vision has adapted to meet evolving needs, but the fundamental goal has remained constant: ensuring that every deaf child feels understood and included.

Targeted Support Across Communities

NAPADEC’s efforts have spanned six districts in Uganda: Bududa, Luuka, Iganga, Jinja, Masaka, and Mukono. Following an evaluation in 2021, NAPADEC honed its focus to the districts in greatest need—Mukono, Luuka, Iganga, and Bududa—where fewer organisations support deaf children and their parents. This strategic narrowing of focus has allowed NAPADEC to maximise its impact in areas where it is most needed.

Tangible Impact and Lasting Change

The difference NAPADEC has made, with the expertise and funding from Deaf Child Worldwide, is substantial. Over 14 parent support groups (PSGs) have been established, each with an average of 15 members. Nine of these PSGs are now registered with the government, enabling them to access various forms of support, such as grants and community facilities. This official recognition ensures the sustainability of these groups and enhances their ability to serve their communities.

One notable success story is the Jinja Parent Support Group. In 2021, this group secured an additional grant from another partner to build a school for children with disabilities. This initiative was driven by a lack of nearby schools that could accommodate deaf children. Today, the school stands as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts, and the Jinja PSG now continues to thrive independently of NAPADEC’s direct support.

The power of sign language

A significant and heartwarming impact of our work has been the improvement in communication between parents and their deaf children. Many parents have shared how they are now able to communicate effectively with their children using Ugandan Sign Language. This new found ability has reduced the reliance on sign language interpreters and NAPADEC staff, fostering a sense of independence and deeper family bonds.

Organisational Growth and Community Transformation

From its humble beginnings in a single-room office, NAPADEC has grown into a fully-fledged organisation with an active Board of Directors, a secretariat with six full-time staff, and four field workers specialising in Uganda Sign Language instruction. This growth has been instrumental in driving community transformation and ensuring that deaf children receive the support they need.

 

Sebastian’s story

The journey of Sebastian Waiswa, founder of the Jinja Parents Support Group, is particularly inspiring. When Sebastian’s firstborn son was diagnosed with deafness, he faced isolation and frustration. He was isolated from his family and community. He remembers asking himself “if I am having this challenge raising a deaf child how about other parents of deaf children, I am sure I am not alone.” Motivated by his challenges, he sought out other parents of deaf children and started a support group in 2015. By 2017, this group began working with NAPADEC, growing from 15 to over 100 members across various sub-districts. The group’s registration as a Community Based Organisation has further solidified its credibility and ability to secure support, culminating in the establishment of a school for deaf children.

Metrics of Success

To date, NAPADEC works with 14 parent support groups, reaching 239 parents across the four districts. Through these groups, 320 deaf children and young people, as well as 280 siblings, have been reached. These numbers represent not just individuals, but the broader impact on families and communities.

Emma Judge, Head of East Africa for DCW said  “As our partnership comes to an end, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and the profound difference made in the lives of deaf children, their families, and their communities. NAPADEC has also become a beacon of best practice in safeguarding and is well-placed to continue their excellent work, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks developed over the past seven years.”

Lessons Learned

Our journey has been rich with lessons that will guide future endeavours:

• Guidance Documentation: Developing a reference document for forming and strengthening PSGs, based on experiences from the Jinja PSG and other groups.
• Service Provider Linkages: Ensuring PSGs are connected to relevant service providers for longer term support.
• Engagement Strategies: Encouraging greater involvement of fathers and balanced leadership roles within PSGs.
• Exit Strategies: Implementing comprehensive exit strategies with follow-ups six months to a year after project completion.
• Mentorship Programs: Exploring ways for disengaged PSGs to mentor newer groups.
• Child Protection and Safeguarding: Providing training on child protection and safeguarding to PSG members.
• Support for Enterprises: Assisting PSGs with initiatives involving deaf children in developing safeguarding policies.

These lessons will inform NAPADEC’s future work, ensuring that the progress made continues to benefit deaf children and their families.

We would like to acknowledge the dedicated staff at NAPADEC and in particular Doctor Joyce Sserunjogi Nalugya, who has been a committed advocate and leader within the global deaf community for decades. As a founding member of NAPADEC in Uganda, Joyce has been instrumental in championing the rights and well-being of deaf children and their families.

We wish NAPADEC every success in their future endeavours. Their dedication and the solid foundation laid during our partnership ensure that they will continue to drive progress and inspire change for years to come.