Signs speak as loud as words: deaf empowerment in Namibia

The present article outlines a development project carried out in Namibia in 2006–2010 by the Icelandic International Development Agency and the Namibian Ministry of Education. The project aimed primarily to empower deaf people by building capacity in deaf education and developing Namibian Sign Language. Strong emphasis was placed on strengthening government structures and services to contribute towards equal rights and participation in society. The article contextualises project activities and the lessons they offer with discussion on disability, development and deaf education, emphasising the importance of working closely with government and enlisting wide stakeholder participation to achieve sustainability.

The full article is available here:

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09614524.2012.640986