Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Newsletter

Because everyone wants to be heard

Talking Hands Foundation

Talking Hands supports deaf and hard of hearing people in Uganda. The foundation focuses on creating opportunities for and integrating deaf and hard of hearing people in Ugandan society, for example by making education accessible. By supporting various projects with a holistic approach and cooperating with local partners, Talking Hands contributes to a better life for deaf and hard of hearing people in Uganda.

 

Donate

Work in Uganda

Talking Hands cooperates with Ugandan partner organisation New Hope for the Deaf, which coordinates the various projects on site. Together, we are facilitating primary education and vocational training for deaf and hard of hearing children and youth, teaching sign language to parents and the community, supporting deaf women in making crafts, and realising a new school for the deaf. 

Activities

Talking Hands regularly organises activities with the aim of raising funds for the foundation and creating awareness of the situation of deaf and hard of hearing people in Uganda. For example, every year Talking Hands is present at several markets. In cooperation with volunteers, new fundraising activities are constantly being realised and the acquisition group is in contact with various partners. 

Selling crafts

Talking Hands sells crafts handmade by deaf women in Uganda. The women are paid fairly for their work, while the income is also used to fund other projects in Uganda. At the markets and in the webshop you can find beautiful bags, wrapping skirts, stuffed animals, jewellery and much more! 

The goals of the foundation

Talking Hands aims to promote the social integration of deaf and hard of hearing people in Uganda and to create opportunities for them. The foundation does this by, among other things:

 

Quality education

For underprivileged deaf and hard of hearing people in Uganda. 

Logo handen
Logo handen

Integration

Of deaf and hard of hearing people into the Ugandan labour market.

Information work

In Uganda on topics related to deafness. 

Logo handen
Logo handen

Raise awareness

In Europe about the situation of deaf and hard of hearing people in Uganda. 

The full film is available at the site Photos and Videos.

An overview of the situation

There are no reliable statistics, but the number of deaf and hard of hearing people in Uganda is higher than in many other countries. In addition, deaf people in Uganda are often discriminated against. Many people do not know much about the causes and consequences of deafness and think that deaf and hard of hearing children are not able to be educated since they have never heard of sign language. Also, most special education institutions for deaf children are private and charge a lot of school fees. Costs for school and transportation are often higher than the parents can afford. 

 While most children in Uganda can nowadays attend public primary schools for free, deaf children remain excluded. This way, many deaf children grow up without being able to go to school, without being able to speak a language and without being able to stand up for their rights. This makes these children extra vulnerable to violence and abuse. 

What we as a foundation stand for:

The cooperation with local partner New Hope for the Deaf is of great importance to the achievement of the goals and projects. Talking Hands encourages independent management of the projects by the local partner, who knows the context best. The most important aspect of cooperation is the sharing of knowledge and the contribution of mutual ideas.

 

Partner organisation New Hope for the Deaf works closely with the families of deaf and hard of hearing children to reduce stigma. By teaching sign language to parents, and by enabling the parents to see that deaf and hard of hearing children can learn through special education, discrimination is greatly reduced. 

 

Deaf and hard of hearing children and young people in Uganda are a particularly vulnerable group. Therefore, it is very important that they can grow up in a safe environment. The children and young people learn a language, make friends and flourish in a secure environment where they can discover the world. 

 

Unfortunately, the target group of development organisations is often approached as a victim. Talking Hands wants to change this. We believe it is important that the dignity of the deaf and hard of hearing people we support is safeguarded. Our vision is to highlight the capabilities, possibilities and ambitions of these people. 

 

How can you support?

Active contribution

We are always looking for new volunteers who want to help with crafts sales at markets! You can also organise a charity activity in your neighbourhood, such as selling second-hand goods or Ugandan crafts. Or ask for a donation to Talking Hands for your birthday or anniversary. 

 

Ideas or suggestions

Do you have any ideas or suggestions that could help us in our fundraising? Do you know an organisation that sympathises with our objectives and would like to collaborate with us? Do you have feedback that can help optimise the foundation? Please let us know! 

 

Donate

By donating, you contribute to the continuity of the projects in Uganda. We are happy with any amount! If you are interested in supporting us on a regular basis and would like to receive tax benefits, please contact us. 

 

“At Christmas, I gave my sisters two gifts from Talking Hands. They both liked the textiles very much, and it felt good to contribute to Talking Hands' mission in this way. We hope that the foundation will be able to create many new opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people in Uganda. In short, a win-win-win!”
Maxwell Chesal
Maxwell ChesalBuyer
"Although this was my first experience as a volunteer, I must say that other work I did afterwards was not even half as much fun. I think it is very good that this charity is working to ensure that these children get a good education, because without education you are very limited in life. Education is something very important and I think it's great when you stand up for something like that."
Manal Amjad
Manal AmjadVolunteer
"Emmaus Regenboog Foundation from Wageningen supports various projects at home and abroad with the profit made from collecting and recirculating welfare remains. Talking Hands is one of them. Talking Hands is an enthusiastic club from Wageningen which is committed in many ways to improve the circumstances of people with hearing disabilities in Uganda. This gives us the feeling that our donations are in good hands with them and that gives us inspiration to continue our work.
Emmaus Wageningen
Emmaus WageningenDonor
“I thank New Hope for organizing the sign language workshops, they have helped me to communicate with my child effectively while he is at home. It was really hard for me before I took him to the school.”
Neteese TeddyParent
“I was scared to learn sign language thinking it was hard for me and I could not serve our brothers and sisters well but when New Hope for the Deaf announced a sign language workshop, I rushed and everything was good and interesting. Now I can educate them about God better.”
Father Nsubuga(of Katuugo catholic church)
“New Hope gave my child hope and I am very happy to see that my child goes to school and can write and read. I didn't expect that. Thank you for the support.”
Mama AndrewcParent
“The coming of New Hope for the Deaf has greatly impacted the development of our community socially and economically. People are now aware about hearing impairment and abilities of people with disabilities.”
Kadugala JumaChairman Local council one of Kyakayongo
“I do appreciate the wonderful project you have put in my constituency and I am willing to give you recommendations and support so as you uplift the lives of deaf children and people with disabilities at large.”
Simeo NsubugaFormer member of parliament representing Kassanda South district
"I bought the crafts because they're a perfect win-win situation. They're truly beautiful, hand-made with care and very useful; and at the same time I'm giving my money to a wonderful cause and not a random company or factory. I went a bit overboard and ended up buying lots of things, but to be honest I don't regret it at all. I use everything and I actually got lots of compliments ;)"
Marta Vallve Odena
"I was at the Africa NOW Festival for Talking Hands. A very pleasant experience during which I was surrounded by wonderful people and a lot of fun. I enjoyed selling (and even buying!) things for the good causes of Talking Hands. Really a must!"
Maria de WitVolunteer
“I am very happy with your products, because they are of good quality, the fabrics are colourful and the prints cheerful. I have given your Christmas box as a gift, as well as a bag and a wallet. I myself use my apron with African print regularly, as well as the shoulder bag. I feel extra involved in your mission because both my parents were hard of hearing at a young age. As a child, I saw how much frustration and stress this could cause and how it led to problems in communication. I put it off for a long time, but now I own two hearing aids myself and I still have a lot of trouble with them. I wish Talking Hands every success in its mission.”
Anja LijferingBuyer
"I appreciate the New Hope for allowing me to do my internship with them. It really helped me to learn and improve my sign language and it's what I use at my workplace."
Katabaazi KennedyPolice Officer

Contact

 Talking Hands Foundation

Vlasakkerweg 60B

3811MT Amersfoort

info@talking-hands.nl

Ugandan partner organization

New Hope for the Deaf

P.O. Box 340 Mubende, Oeganda

newhopeschoolforthedeaf@gmail.com

newhopeschoolforthedeaf.org

Other

KvK: 60837632

RSIN: 854081665

ANBI-logo
Partin-logo
Facebook Youtube Linkedin Instagram