Helping the deaf-blind with educational materials

 General Context

In Goma, North Kivu, many deaf-blind children still have no access to the specialized education they need. The Nguvu Yetu Center for Deaf and Disadvantaged Children opened a dedicated school to support them, but the lack of adapted teaching materials continues to limit the quality of learning.
These children, living with both hearing and visual impairments, require specific educational tools to learn, communicate, and integrate into society.

2. Problem Statement

The combination of deafness and blindness makes traditional learning methods almost inaccessible. The main challenges include:

• Communication: interaction relies on braille, tactile sign language, and other sensory-based methods.
• Access to educational resources: standard materials are not suitable for their needs. They require braille books, tactile objects, sensory tools, and adapted technologies.
  Without these resources, children remain isolated and deprived of a fundamental right: education.

3. Project Objectives

This project aims to offer a concrete response to the educational needs of deaf-blind children in Goma by:

• Providing adapted learning materials: braille books, tactile tools, sensory supports, and specialized educational software.
• Creating tactile and visual aids to help children learn various subjects.
• Organizing training sessions for teachers so they can effectively use specialized materials.
• Raising awareness among families and the community to strengthen daily support for these children.

4. Total Budget

The total budget required to implement this project is USD 12,000.
To date, thanks to our partnership with GlobalGiving, USD 352 has already been raised. This is an encouraging step that brings us closer to our final goal.
(The detailed budget can be shared upon request.)

5. Project Progress

• Identification of teachers to be trained and children who will benefit is underway.
• The center has begun assessing the exact needs for adapted educational materials.
• Preparations for the training sessions have already started.
• The official launch of activities is scheduled for November 2025.

6. Collaboration with GlobalGiving

Our partnership with GlobalGiving offers international visibility, strengthens transparency, and builds donor confidence.
With this collaboration, we are confident that the project will reach full funding and provide effective, sustainable support for deaf-blind children.

7. Expected Impact

The impact of this project will be long-lasting and transformative:

• Improved access to education: children will finally have the materials they need to learn in a supportive environment.
• Enhanced academic and social skills: adapted education will help them grow, progress, and thrive.
• Greater autonomy: deaf-blind children will become more independent and better prepared to participate fully in society.
• Increased inclusion: stronger community awareness will reduce stigma and promote meaningful integration.

8. Call to Donors

We extend a heartfelt appeal to all individuals, partners, and organizations wishing to change the lives of vulnerable children.
Every contribution—big or small—helps equip a child, train a teacher, and restore hope to families.
Your support is essential to offer these children an education that is accessible, dignified, and full of opportunity.

9. Acknowledgements

We warmly thank all donors who have already supported this project.
Your generosity reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of deaf-blind children in North Kivu.
We also express our gratitude to GlobalGiving for its continued support and trust in our mission.

1. Project Summary

This project aims to improve access to education for deaf-blind children in Goma, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. The Nguvu Yetu Center for Deaf and Disadvantaged Children has launched a school for deaf-blind children, which faces serious challenges due to the lack of specialized educational resources. Through this project, we will provide adapted materials and essential teacher training to ensure quality education for these marginalized children.

2. The Problem

Deaf-blind children experience a dual sensory impairment that significantly limits their access to traditional learning methods.
The main challenges are:

• Communication barriers: They require tactile sign language and braille to communicate.
• Inaccessible materials: Standard educational resources are not adapted to their specific needs.
  Without appropriate interventions, these children remain excluded from the education system and society at large.

3. Project Objectives

• Ensure equitable access to education for deaf-blind children in Goma.
• Build teachers' capacity through tailored training programs.
• Promote long-term social inclusion and autonomy of the children.

4. Planned Activities

1. Provision of Specialized Educational Materials:
• Braille books
• Tactile communication tools
• Visual and tactile learning aids for multiple subjects
2. Teacher Training:
• Pedagogical methods for deaf-blind students
• Effective use of adapted materials
3. Family and Community Awareness:
• Promoting inclusion and support for deaf-blind children

5. Expected Impact

• Improved quality of education for deaf-blind children
• Development of academic and social skills
• Greater autonomy and social integration
  This project will empower the children to become active and productive members of their community.

6. Budget

• Total Budget: $12,000
• Funds Raised So Far: $352
• Remaining Amount Needed: $11,648

7. Collaboration with GlobalGiving

Thanks to our partnership with GlobalGiving, we benefit from:

• Increased international visibility
• A trusted fundraising platform
• Access to a global network of engaged donors

This strategic support gives us confidence that we will reach our fundraising goal in the coming months and fully implement the project. Every contribution makes a difference in transforming these children's lives.

8. Call to Action

We call on donors, partners, and institutions to join us. Together, let’s give a voice and a future to deaf-blind children in Goma. Your support can offer them the chance to learn, communicate, and be fully included in society.