Deaf Inclusion and Sign Language in Goma Community

Introduction

The project “Inclusion of Deaf People and Sign Language in the Goma Community” aims to overcome communication barriers faced by children and adults who are deaf in Goma. Limited knowledge of sign language in the community leads to significant social exclusion, reducing access to education, healthcare, and employment.

Through this project, we aim to change this reality by providing sign language training to teachers, families, and local professionals, while raising community awareness about the inclusion of deaf people.

Project Objectives

1. Train 100 individuals (teachers, families, and professionals) in sign language to enable effective communication with deaf people.
2. Improve access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and employment.
3. Strengthen social cohesion and family bonds, promoting sustainable and respectful inclusion.
4. Raise community awareness through interactive events and local activities to foster inclusion of deaf people.

Context

In Goma, deaf people are often isolated due to the lack of sign language skills among families, teachers, and professionals. This limits their social participation and personal development. Our project directly addresses this urgent need for inclusion and communication.

Methodology and Action Plan

• Phase 1: Identification of trainers and learners – ongoing.
• Phase 2: Training teachers, families, and professionals – interactive workshops and practical sessions.
• Phase 3: Community awareness – local events and activities promoting inclusion.
• Phase 4: Monitoring and evaluation – assessing impact on access to education, employment, and healthcare.

The project will officially start in November 2025 and run for 12 months, ensuring lasting impact through the presence of trained individuals in schools, hospitals, and homes.

Budget

The project has a total budget of USD 25,000, covering training, educational materials, and awareness activities. To date, no funding has been received, but thanks to our partnership with GlobalGiving, we are confident in reaching our goal.

Call to Donors

We call on all donors: your support is crucial to help the deaf community in Goma thrive, access education and employment, and strengthen family ties. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help transform lives and create a more inclusive and supportive society.

Acknowledgements

We express our deep gratitude to everyone who has already supported us and thank GlobalGiving for its guidance in implementing this project. Your commitment is a source of hope for the entire deaf community in Goma.