Rédaction Africa Links 24 with DAVIS AYEGA
Published on 2024-03-02 05:30:00
The first-ever Africa Conference on Deafness (ACD) is set to be held in Kenya in 2024, with the aim of bringing together stakeholders from across the continent to empower the deaf community. The Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC), in partnership with the State Department for Medical Services, will spearhead the organization of this groundbreaking conference.
Harry Kimtai, the Principal Secretary of the department, highlighted the focus of the conference on addressing the challenges faced by deaf children in Africa. He emphasized the importance of assessing existing initiatives on the continent to empower deaf children and improve their quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 135 million individuals in Africa experience varying degrees of hearing impairment, making it a prevalent but often overlooked disability. In Kenya, approximately 3 million people are grappling with hearing difficulties, with projections indicating a potential increase in this figure.
Of that group, 900,000 individuals are profoundly deaf, with 300,000 falling within the school-age range. Surprisingly, only 20,000 school-going age individuals are currently enrolled in educational institutions, highlighting the need for enhanced support for the deaf community.
The Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC), established in 1958, is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of hearing-impaired children, especially in education, health, and general well-being. Rhoda Kabiti, the Society’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of shifting societal mindsets to recognize the potential and intelligence of deaf children and provide them with equal opportunities.
In a bid to further empower the deaf community, the society launched a level two medical clinic in Nairobi on February 29, 2024. This clinic is equipped to address a wide range of hearing challenges across all age groups, from children to the elderly. The Chairman of the society, Francis Ng’ang’a, hailed this milestone as a significant step towards empowering the deaf community and contributing to the national Ear and Hearing Care agenda.
The society is committed to “empowering silence” through various initiatives such as providing hearing aids, operating a mobile ear clinic, raising awareness about deafness, offering sign language training, and facilitating access to education. These efforts aim to reach and assist thousands across Kenya, ensuring that the joy of hearing is accessible to all individuals.
Davis Ayega, a versatile journalist proficient in creative writing, interviewing, and presenting, shared insights into effective communication across diverse audiences. With a keen eye for detail, Ayega demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of empowering the deaf community and highlighting their contributions to society.
In conclusion, the Africa Conference on Deafness in 2024 promises to be a significant milestone in uniting stakeholders, promoting empowerment, and improving the lives of deaf individuals across the continent. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to inclusivity, the conference aims to address the challenges faced by the deaf community and create a more supportive environment for all individuals.
Read the original article on Africa News 24
