Wajir County has joined the rest of the world in marking the International Week of the Deaf, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the issues faced by the deaf community, advocating for their rights, and highlighting the significance of sign language.

The event runs from the 23rd to the 26th of September 2024 and is marked globally with similar activities aimed at promoting sign language rights.

This year’s theme, ‘Sign Up for Sign Language Rights,’ focuses on the recognition and promotion of sign language as an official language, ensuring deaf individuals have equal access to vital services such as education, employment, healthcare, and social services.

Speaking during the celebrations at the Wajir County ICT Hall, the County Chief Officer for the Department of Gender, Culture, and Social Services Fatuma Olow highlighted the importance of the event.

‘We are very excited to celebrate this year’s International Week of the Deaf. It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress made
toward achieving equality for deaf individuals and to address the challenges that still remain,’ she said.

She said that the celebration also included a special focus on how Wajir County could implement policies that benefited deaf persons in line with the theme’s objectives.

The county government pledged its commitment to enhancing inclusivity for the deaf community, emphasizing the need for further collaboration with stakeholders to promote sign language and create a more inclusive environment.

‘As the week unfolds, various events and workshops will be held across the county, focusing on promoting deaf awareness, advocating for the use of sign language, and encouraging community support for equal rights,’ she noted.

Participants, including representatives from various organisations and members of the deaf community, engaged in discussions and activities aimed at promoting sign language education, advocacy, and awareness.

Source: Kenya News Agency