Mission

Fr. Ouderaa Farm for the Deaf is a nonprofit CBO based in Siaya County, Kenya, whose mission is to improve quality of life for the deaf through farming and partnering with like minded entities who can make a difference. Our vision is a world where every deaf child has the opportunity to learn and engage in modern farming as a career of choice.

Category

Education and Skills

Additional Information

The deaf have a hard time finding employment in formal sectors and less exposed to modern farming systems as a career option. Despite Agriculture being the principal source of income and food security for over 80% of Kenya’s population, they are overly marginalized and face many barriers due to the lack of competent curriculum in farming at all levels of their education. This is compounded by their isolation and difficulties in communication including with speaking family members. This cause is championing for a model deaf-centred teaching and learning farm come social enterprise (facility) for the deaf. Also incorporating a post graduation shelter support program where a deaf child can consistently and systematically explore a career path in farming and self-employment support throughout their lifetime. With four cows on the ground, the school has dedicated 1 acre land to prop up the project. Sign Language, computer science, biology, agriculture and entrepreneurship are among the allied subjects already being taught. Stakeholders including teachers and parents have also been mobilised. Respectively, the organization has identified a gap in funding; $60,000 for Phase:1, $200,000 for Phase:2 and the need to solicit funds as a solution. Through the “Giving To The Deaf Community” Campaign, the initial aim is to scale-up a dairy facility to 12-18 units, the infrastructure, farming and shelter programs (both soft & hardware). This brings on board Tati Farm Enterprise together with Fr. Ouderaa Special School for the Deaf - Nyan’goma, Siaya County, Kenya. The latter happens to be the pioneer and lead national secondary school for the deaf in Kenya, drawing students from all over the country while the former, is a lead dairy farm specialist in the region. With a successful outcome in phase:1, the intent is to up-scale the impact in phase:2 to incorporate all deaf schools in the country and institutions with similar appeal into the program.