THANK YOU! Uganda Visit Summary Nov/Dec 2008: . Priorities for our future work with the isolated deaf in Arua District, N. Uganda .

This trip, and the meetings and community sign workshops it enabled, have only been possible thanks to a large number of people's support of time, hospitality, finance, encouragement, time and talent and prayer. Particular thanks to our UK supporters, YWAM Arua staff, Ugandan friends working on behalf of the deaf there.

All of the workshops and meetings involved travel and refreshment expenses which although low compared to the UK were far beyond the reach of the benificiaries here. I am grateful for God's protection during our travels here. Road travel is high risk whether you cycle or take a motor-bike or lorry taxi. Walking is not the safest option!

Following Adam’s recent stay back in N. Uganda, the workshops and discussions held there highlighted several priorities for our future work:

• Sourcing /developing a text-free Ugandan Sign-Language(USL) booklet with photographs of objects to accompany their equivalent sign.
  
• Provision of extra-curricular opportunities for deaf students at Eruba, e.g. training for and transport to sports fixtures/cultural exchanges with neighbouring schools.
  
• Acquisition of teaching aids, AV equipment and generator to deliver community based sign-language courses based on an existing curriculum.
  
• Identification of able and available USL interpreters/instructors to co-deliver these community based sign-language courses
• Provision of community based sign-language courses for isolated deaf, first on the outskirts of Arua town, then in more rural areas such as Offaka or Okallo. Opportunities for wider adoption of USL and social/cultural exchange within their communities through traditional dance, story-telling or sport would then be explored


• Exploration of possibilities for vocational training/income generation and social/cultural exchange for Arua town’s deaf youth for whom secondary education is unreachable/unaffordable.

Arua Deaf School Students sign beautiful song at Deaf-blind Priests Ordination

Thanks to our current supporters I was able to finance transport for Arua Deaf School Students to their Deaf-partially blind Pastor Alems ordination. Together with their head-teacher we took a lorry taxi, 60 miles away to the pastor's home town.

The ordination was memorable for all there because... :

• .. the deaf students got a rare trip away from school where they board in tough conditions



• .. the congregation of 1000 plus witnessed Church of Uganda's first ever ordination of a deaf-partially blind person, a preach given in sign by one of Uganda's few deaf pastors. It was translated into English and then the locallanguage phrase by phrase. Many were surprised!


• .. Ugandan sign-language was seen as a clear, beautiful and empowering communication tool


• .. many in the congregation come from districts where the prevalence of deafness is very high, sign-language unknown and integration and affirmation of deaf children very low.


• .. Eruba's deaf students signed song of praise to their Maker and signed message of thanks to songs turned widespead initial laughter into the most moving moments of the 4hour service.

I and local YWAMer, Benjamin, also spent time at the deaf school just relaxing and having fun with the students and staff. They loved "UNO", "Tip-it", and bench ball.

The finale to the afternoon was a demonstration by the deaf lads of their martial arts drills. extra cuuricular possibilities are sorely needed and sought. we want to help..

Sign Workshop at Offaka Rural Village 30miles outside Arua town

This workshop was possible thanks to many people. Co-founder of Arua YWAM base, Sam Abuku took me to meet the Arua Association of the Deaf office run by two deaf male adult volunteers, Asega and Mauster, who are regional and local chairman respectively. They try to provide communication support, advocacy, sign-language tuition and advice for deaf youth and adults.

The deaf youth soon turned up and we exchanges laughter as I pressed on with my broken ugandan sign-language and they saw my British sign-language equivalent signs when I had to resort to it!

Asega promptly agreed to set up a half-day session in a rural village known to have above average deafness. Two deaf youth accompanied us as positive role models and to be given the opportunity to share the sign they had acquired, delivering one topic each really well.

We were warmly recieved by the village dignitaries before gathering under a big fruit tree. This time the group of 22 included 9 deaf men and 5 deaf women and one deaf girl in her mid -teens that despite her claimed mental difficulties I said should be included. She managed really well!

There was much fun, laughter and mutual support. Hearty thanks and a written request for a deaf school, deaf teachers, sign manuals camera and motorbike followed the long morning.

A fruitful morning, valuable insights and much food for thought for future rural workshops and a sustainable strategy..

Cheers. Adam

Sign Workshop at Yeppi Village on outskirts of Arua town

Would the sign-language interpreter and the deaf-partially blind pastor come with me?
Were there as many deaf as we had been led to believe?
Would a parent or carer turn up too as hoped?
Would both children and adults be receptive to some sign workshops?
Would the money asked requested for light refreshments be spent as promised?

Well, YES! was the answer for the most part. Six parent/relatives each turned up to the initial meeting with one deaf child, ranging in ages from 3 to about 13. The lack of a local deaf school, the well-above average prescence of deafness and an inabilty to afford the school fees meant four of the six deaf children there had not coped in a hearing school and stayed at home. They were unable to cope in a hearing school. One deaf child had to drop out of the deaf school as the parents could no longer afford the school fees and the other struggles on in a hearing school with parial deafness. The parents were enthusiastic and agreed to attend with their child. First two workshops were to be 4pm midweek and latter two on the following Sat. and Sun. afternoon.

Only two deaf children and one mother made the first midweek session but we were not discouraged as we knew mid week would be difficult for many carers to get there. It was great to see the eyes of the deaf children brighten as they grasped new concepts such as colours and family signs, and the parents saw how much clearer they would be able to communicate with their child. Subsistence living was evident so my provision of tea and bread in a humid 30degs C was welcomed by us all.

Update and Pictures to follow when technology allows.

Adam

Arua: Developing existing and new contacts with deaf people

Yesterday/s coach journey from Kampala to Arua, was 8hrs at break-neck speed! It skirted the Nile frequently. The conductor invited a passenger to pray before we left Kampala. I responded!.






At the base it was good to see familiar faces and meet some new ones. Bosco's family, Benedictine and Benjamin, Paul.

Several more houses have been built or under construction. our accomodation could be in one like that pictured.

Today base co-founder Sam Abuku kindly ferried me to visit:
regional and local deaf association chairs, Asega and Mauster, both deaf. They knew two rural areas. Offaka and Okallo with numerous deaf that would appreciate a sign workshop.

• member of deaf church - gave me service venue and time.




• woman at book shop with deaf around her village, (Yeppi)




• deaf school - lots of change Isaac and Salome both moved on! and new head left too!.

Have arranged further meetings with each of these, including two village visits and deaf service this sun pm.

Kampala.! Visiting schools, Uganda's National Deaf Association and vocational training for the deaf. Bond Style

Internet connection here very slow. Temp here a very humid 25 degs. Boda bodas (motorbike taxis) ok apart from a couple of hairy moments when my rider narrowly squeezed through tiny gaps! Just like a bond stunt! Kampala is quite hilly.

















Managed to visit the Kampala Deaf school (KDS) and gather some useful info . Bosco's local knowledge invaluable. The KDS is the largest in Uganda and houses 200 pupils who all board. There were about 20 deaf-blind too.

KDS offer some lifeskills such as carpentry, sewing, rain-harvesting and keep 5 cows to teach animal care and milking skills. A group of kenyan deaf arrived just as we were leaving. They had one deaf from Arua. Theyre now starting to fund-raise for a vocational school. have exchanged contact details. They are also trying to do outreach work to identify deaf at an earlier age. They thought our approach for Arua would help a lot. Met deaf man on dala dala (mini-bus taxi). No guinness record attempts seen yet for overfilling!

At the Ugandan Assoc. for the deaf (UNAD), I discovered they had replied that one of their board members is Uganda's only deaf MP! UNAD also had info on West Nile's Deaf Assocn and the efforts being made there. Discovered there will be a gathering of Deaf from all over the world(World Federation of the Deaf conference) in Kampala next September! Hope to attend. Will probably only happen once in Uganda in our lifetime! Also given Arua Deaf Assocn contact at Arua Council which I'll follow up.



Useful visit to one of only four deaf vocational training centre for deaf teens in Uganda. Right next to our B+B! They offer carpentry, mechanics, catering and tailoring. They sell some of their furniture in the city on a saturday.

Won't visit friend with contact at Mityana Deaf school as she's ill. Info. promised.

B&B food fairly english. Local diet starts in earnest tomorrow!

Uganda planning trip starts Nov. 16th

Aims:

Better understanding of:

• existing provision for the deaf by visiting existing Deaf school/Projects in Kampala, Mityana.
  
• Arua base priorities, staff roles, base calendar and allocation of our time , for 2009-2011.
  
• number/distribution of isolated deaf people in Arua town, Arua District through visits to Arua town council/NGOs/previous contacts.
  

Develop:

• understanding of our domestic and home-schooling needs and see what provision will be in place for late Aug./Sept.09
• previous contacts at Arua Deaf school on developments, to share our vision to reach isolated deaf people and to gauge their interest in partnering with us.
• a workshop with local partners in a village with isolated deaf children and adults to run for a couple of hours a day over a week.

Uganda - Profile*

The People
Population Size / Density:
2000 21.8million 90 per sq.km
2010 29.8million 124 per sq.km
2025 44.4million 184 per sq.km

N.B. No-one knows the numbers who perished during Amin’s dictatorship and the subsequent civil wars, famines and tribal killings, but estimates vary from 800 000 to 2million. The impact of AIDS has been devastating and slowed population growth.

People Groups:
160+ indigenous ethnic groups Bantu groups: 92.4%

Refugees:
Mainly Burundi, Ruwundi Hutu.
Also Somalis, Congolese

Capital: Kampala (1.2million) Other major cities: Entebbe (50,000)
Urbanites: 13%

Languages
Literacy: 62% Official language: English Other languages: 46

The Economy
Mainly agricultural, subsistence farming.
Three annual growing seasons.
Main export crop is coffee.

The healthy economy of the 1960’s was damaged by the expulsion of the Asian business community in 1972, then
virtually destroyed by tyranny and wars.

There has been a slow, but steady improvement since 1992, but continued warfare in the North and West and the ravages of AIDS and disease keep the majority of the population in deep poverty.

Health Development Index (H.D.I.)
0.404 - a ranking of 158th out of 174

Public debt: 48% of GNP

Average Annual Income: $330 per person – 1% of USA figure

* Source: Operation World

Great news - work for Adam next term

We're delighted that Adam has landed some maths teaching work next term. This will provide some much-needed income in the run-up to Uganda.

It's at a school in Coventry whose ethos has lots in common with our approach to thngs. There's also a good chance of getting the pupils involved in some signing too.

MissionsTraining: Purpose – Principles – People groups – Crossing cultures – Testimonies-

Our School of Missions course at Mattersey Hall was designed to help prepare ourselves for an overseas mission. We met many missionaries who have spent years overseas e.g. as well as some back home to rest/meet partners.

Deaf Sports Leadership Course “Fantastic feedback.. from parents, children.. young people"

“ - It went incredibly well,” added NDCS’s Hayley Jarvis. Tyron Woolfe - NDCS Deputy Director Children & Youth endorsed these comments! Helen has been invited to run it again next year, twice!. Thanks are also due to staff, Rob Danson & Hayley Jarvis, our coaches, interpreters, and partners.

What’s special about the football in a football match for blind teams?

In mid-august I spent four days on this FA Level 1 Coaching Course to help equip deaf role model to develop football skills in deaf 10-14 year olds. The course was well delivered, fun and accessible for all ages, abilities & preferred communication styles. There was a wealth of intensive signing practice and I gained some really useful resources to equip me to use football as a vehicle to introduce Ugandan Sign Language with the isolated deaf next year. I can see a deaf football tournament overseas!

It was interesting to meet other deaf adults working in sport, to learn about national deaf football, the deaflympics and efforts being made to increase participation amongst under-represented groups in football, such as the deaf, the blind, amputees etc
(Answer to Q: the ball contains ball-bearings so that it makes a sound when it moves)

How many of the the last 800years has Estonia been occupied by a foreign power?

We visited Estonia to earn from some very successful hearing-deaf partnerships there.

We learnt much from the deaf couples, projects and supporters (pictured) we met in Talinn, Estonia. We had no common spoken language at all. All we had was our native sign-languages, i.e. British, Estonian and Russian! Yet communication was quite easy, and so much fun too.

The Estonian sign for England is not one many Brits. would have chosen!Estonia’s 20th Century history is unbelievable.. We’ve invited them over next year.

(Ans. to Q1: about 700 years)

Interest grows at our kids' school and at the Arua Deaf School

We met the deputy head where all our children go currently, to discuss their schooling and seek their support with some distance-learning resources for when our children are in Arua. They were very positive and even talked about a possible exchange visit!


This week we've applied for visas for our Uganda strategy trip, which takes place in November. That's when I (Adam) will be going out to prepare for our trip, and get more of an idea about how we're going to take the work forward in Arua. We need to pinpoint exactly how we're going to link in to the work there - hopefully via the Deaf School. They already have Ugandan sign language and we're very much hoping they'll share their expertise with us. I managed to get through to the school for a brief chat so they know I'm coming in November at least.

“Can you help me teach these deaf children? – We have no way of communicating”

This plea by humble but passionate bush-village teacher, Margaret (above left), desperate to release the potential of the two deaf children in her class of 80 plus (right) was a key moment for us back in Aug.07 on our first and next trip to Arua district, North Uganda…












We invited Margaret, to join us on a visit we ‘happened’ to be making later that week to Arua one of North Uganda’s few schools for the Deaf (pictured below), where we all learnt much more about the needs of deaf youth and adults too..







“Ugandan deaf people lack tools to communicate, learn, earn, and participate!”-

Was the repeated message we got as we have travelled across Arua.

We discovered that:
· The above-average no. of deaf people in West Nile is partly due to preventable causes, such as lack of childhood vaccines, poor ear hygiene awareness and the mal-administration of drugs.

· Ugandan Sign Language (U.S.L.) is in print, but it is unknown, unaffordable and un-usable by communities with deaf people, who mostly live in bush villages and can’t read.

· There are few carers for the deaf in communities and they have sparse resources.

· Most deaf youth/ adults are without employment or respect in their community.

Uganda deaf people are often misunderstood, frustrated and lonely. - Isolated!
Was the repeated impression we had as we listened to numerous deaf and their carers. We discovered that deaf people’s personal, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development needs are unmet! Their vulnerability to neglect or abuse or environmental hazards also increases. This situation, we have learnt, is common in other developing/war-torn countries too!


“Would you come and teach this language to my deaf villagers?”

- Exclaimed the Arua Town shopkeeper, Helen, amazed, as she handed us our Ugandan Sign Language Manuals. She’d had to order them from Entebbe, 300+ miles away! This comment emphasised the widespread need again.



Our visit reflected some Global deaf statistics I'd read before:

Approximately 250 million people have severe or profound hearing loss.
. . . and more than two-thirds of them live in the Third World.

70 million people are profoundly deaf . . .
. . . and over 80 % of these have no access to education.

90% of the deaf have hearing parents . . .
. . . and only 1 in 10 of these parents can communicate with their child in sign language.