Deaf Outreach Program Director Gloria Njoki during the handing over of uniforms and other volleyball equippments at St Luke’s school for the deaf at Embu County.Deaf Schools in Eastern Kenya have received a major boost in
sports development aimed at enhancing learning and promoting inclusion for deaf
youth.
Through donation from the Deaf Outreach Program (DEAFOP). Three institutions – St Luke’s and Mary
Magdalene Schools for the Deaf in Embu County and Machakos School for the Deaf
in Machakos County –
were equipped with volleyballs, uniforms, nets, knee caps and trained coaches.
The initiative seeks to use sports, particularly volleyball,
as a tool for empowering learners with hearing impairments by fostering life
skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Speaking during the handover event at St. Luke’s School for
the Deaf in Mbeere South, DEAFOP founder and director
Gloria Njoki emphasised
the role of sport in holistic learner development.
“Sport is a powerful tool to promote student agency and
performance, both in and outside the classroom. It helps learners navigate
real-life situations through teamwork, strategy, and resilience,” said Njoki.
She noted that while the programme initially focused on digital learning
content, it has since expanded to include sports as an additional medium to
equip deaf students with essential social and emotional skills.
“Sports go beyond competition, they teach students how to
collaborate, handle wins and losses, and develop critical thinking. These are
skills that will serve them in school, in life, and in future workplaces,”
Njoki added.
The programme,
funded by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, aims to bridge the opportunity
gap faced by deaf individuals. According to the 2019 Census, employment remains
one of the greatest challenges for the deaf community, largely due to limited
public awareness and inadequate workplace accommodations.
St. Luke’s Principal, Michael Nyaga, welcomed the programme, saying it aligns well
with Kenya’s competency-based curriculum, which emphasizes talent development
and physical education.
“This initiative supports physical activity as a potential
career path, particularly for learners with physical ability but limited
opportunities,” said Nyaga.
Globally, about 5.5 per cent of the population experiences hearing loss. In Kenya,
this translates to approximately 2.7 million people, highlighting the urgent
need for inclusive programs that support their development and integration.