She was not born deaf, but she developed an interest for the hearing impaired persons in Nakuru in trying to help them enjoy the beauty of the world.

This is the story of Nakuru-based mother Wanjiru Ndii, who has gone an extra mile in ensuring that nothing stops the deaf from achieving their life dreams.

Born and raised in Kiambu County, Wanjiru has a background in sign language with her first station as a teacher being Kambui School for the deaf in Githunguri, Kiambu.

While at the school in 2012, a parent of one pupil came asking for assistance to communicate to her son in sign language.

“The incident left me with many questions on how I could help bridge the gap between the hearing and the hearing impaired,” says Wanjiru.

In 2014, Wanjiru was transferred to Ngala School for the deaf in Nakuru and she also noticed the same gap where parents, due to lack of knowledge in sign language, were unable to communicate with their children.

This prompted Wanjiru to start a sign language training centre.

Wanjiru adds that the centre currently has 15 parents who have enrolled for the program, with majority of the lessons taking place during the weekends.

With such training, she believes the deaf community will no longer live in a ‘dark world’ as many will be communicating to them through sign language.

Already, government institutions are embracing the training as Nakuru Water and Sanitation Company (NAWASCO) has already had their staff trained.

Wanjiru is optimistic that one day Kenyans will be able to communicate either in Sign Language without any difficulties.

“At the end of the training, we issue the trainees with certificates, but besides that, our joy is that we are helping bridge the gap between the hearing and the hearing impaired,” she says.

pmambili@gmail.com

Want your business featured on Mtaa Wangu? Click here to find out how

How Wanjiru helps parents communicate to hearing impaired children

Author Spotlight

Pristone Mambili