Although St. Mark Deaf ministries currently rents the premises under which it operates, and is greatly constrained financially, it has been a life-link to many people with hearing impairments. Below are among the achievements St. Mark Deaf Ministries prides herself in:
The Archdiocese of Kampala, then under the late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, sought our services to work with persons with hearing impairments within the 5 administrative regions (districts) that fall under that archdiocese. (Kampala, Mpigi, Wakiso, Gomba, Butambala).
- A few of the persons with hearing impairments have been equipped with skills in candle making and craftwork and have earned some income.
- We trained sign language interpreters and had them certified by the Uganda Association for the Deaf. These offer interpretation services in both individual and group settings.
- Post-COVID pandemic period, St. Mark Deaf Ministries managed to offer food relief to over 153 families of persons with hearing impairments.
St. Mark Deaf Ministries has secured the education of some Deaf children. We held the first DEAF MUSIC FESTIVAL in Uganda. And it was on-going until it got interrupted in its 4th Edition by the covid pandemic. This festival encouraged the Deaf persons (PWHI) to come together, form social groups, unlock their creativity, and inspire each other to greater heights.
Different schools for the Deaf would gather and show their music and drama prowess!
Deaf people out of school would also gather and show case their talents… it was designed as a way of promoting the Deaf culture and also as a way through which Deaf people would show each other about their abilities.
The mainstream or ordinary society would join in awe and wonder at the great potential of deaf people.
From 153 Deaf Persons, who participated in the first edition of the Deaf Music Festival, it had more than doubled by the 4th edition! And it caught media attention—hence the more sensitization!
The best 3 groups from the Deaf Music Festival would receive a trophy and a monetary award, which was intended to support or kick-start investment projects for the winning teams and further their development.
St. Mark Deaf Ministries occasioned the organization of members into smaller groups through which they could come and socialize, share their stories, encourage, and motivate each other.
We have been invited to different schools for the Deaf to offer retreats and counselling services, such as Wakiso secondary school for the Deaf, Mulago schools for the Deaf and Bwanda school for the Deaf…
St. Mark Deaf Ministries has also seen to the marriage preparation of a few of its members. Being fully involved in preparation, fundraising, organization of the events , counselling of the couples, sign language interpretation, and all the coordination involved.
The Deaf Parents Association that was formed has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for several parents as they meet and share ideas and experiences on how to guide and nurture their children! They also offer moral and emotional support to one another amidst the poor publicity given about deafness.
Through partnership with St. Matia Mulumba of Kampala Parish, St. Mark Deaf Ministries secured a space for spiritual nourishment, socialization, and information access for persons with hearing impairments.
The organization is currently under the leadership of 4 board members, 4 co-opted persons for legal, accounting, counseling, and business development, and an 8-member council of executives.