Helping to challenge the stigma of deafness in Kenya

A local woman used her own deafness to help “cursed” Kenyans

A young woman from Carnoustie – who was born deaf – has played her part in trying to break the horrifying stigma attached to the condition in rural Kenya, where it is often considered a curse or a punishment from God.

Shona Ramsay-Hogan, 21, recently spent three months working with deaf children in Nandi County teaching them and their parents sign language so they could speak to each other for the first time. She also ran deaf awareness sessions that challenged the stigma around deafness. She helped build a playground at the local deaf school, and working with her team mates, organised an awareness-raising march through the centre of the regional capital.

Shona explains how the project took off – her first ever trip outside Europe.

“I’ve always had an interest in volunteering abroad. I studied psychology for two years at university before deciding to take a break. I was interested in working in mental health, specifically with deaf people, and ultimately I’d like a job that hopefully helps people in some capacity,” she says.

Shona had always wanted to volunteer overseas but was worried about communication. Since this opportunity was specifically for deaf people, she jumped at the chance.

In addition to helping the children with sign language, she also worked at the Urafiki (which translates as Friendship) Centre in Yala, a charity supporting children and elderly people in the area.

“They help send children to school and support families in a variety of ways,” she explains.

While she admits culture differences were difficult to deal at first, she loved everything, from the food and the weather to living with her host family and interacting with people.

“I really saw the difference Urafiki makes,” she adds.

“At the moment they are dealing with an influx of families with deaf children hoping to send their children to school, which costs about 40,000 shillings a year (approximately £350), and that’s before they’ve bought uniform, a trunk, and bedding.”

If you’d like to help raise funds for Urafiki, visit www.urafiki.org.uk

Deafness is considered a curse or a punishment

Shona (second from right) loved interacting with children and adults in the Kenyan town of Yala.