Is Raila Paying for those adverts?

The adverts by Nickson Kakiri on disability kenyas website are driven by sycophancy. Raila will win alright, but the idea that he will give certain deaf big seats in his government is misplaced. Are those ODM adverts in disability kenya website paid for? Its sad that we are willing to stoop this low just to win slots in the next government. Will that benefit the deaf people? MK urges the deaf people to fight for what is genuine. Do no fight for individual seats since that is futile!!!

From Washington Opiyo

Dear Leila,


It is really great that the organizing committee is taking our
suggestions
more serious. It also appears that things at the 2008 AIDS conference
will be effectual

It would be a great idea to have international interpreters at the
conference to make information accessible to all participants from
different
countries. I have two professional international interpreters in mind,
however, WFD would be of great assistance.

I look forward to seeing all of you there...



Washington Opiyo sati

Disability Programme Coordinator

Liverpool VCT, Care and Treatment Kenya

P.O.BOX 19835- 00202

Tel: 254-20-2714590, 254-20-271308.

Fax: 254-20 2723612

www.liverpoolvct.org

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 7:53:

Mzee Kiziwi receives this abusive comment

Dear Mzee Kiziwi,

Please do not be narrow minded, idiotic and senile.

The article on Mzee Bubu did not mention any names or refer to any one in specific. It is very embarrasing to see this commentator call names and bubble words hurling insults at different people. S/He should be ashamed of themselves and find a hole to hide themselves.

Whoever it is you cannot hide from the TRUTH.

NGOs like Deaf Aid, GDC, CMB, SHIA/Deaf Blind project, Sense International, etc have failed the Deaf people in Kenya.

KNAD has failed the membership. It concentrated on the politics and forgot the important things of nurturing the membership. Imagine all Deaf Kenyans giving atleast 100 bob a month - We would have alot of money for development and not beg Sweden and the like to fund our activities.

Kenyan Governement has failed the Deaf people. It is true we need to respect and work with the government BUT as taxpaying Kenyans WE HAVE TO DEMAND provison of essential service! GoK has not given the Deaf anything to celebrate in the last 44yeears of independence.

We need the following from the above groups of people!

1. Recognition of Kenyan Sign Language as the official language of the Deaf in Kenya. With this we will have research into the language, documentation of the same, Trainign of teachers and interpreters.

2. Amendment of the Disability Act to explicitly mention the Deaf as a sociolinguistic minority with unique needs and aspirations.

3. Advocate that the organizations working with the Deaf to be veted and regulated by the various bodies and these must include Deaf indiividuals as board members, staff and beneficiaries.

4. Deaf people themselves to get out of their fatalism mentality and be among those fighting for their own liberation.

5. It is ashaming to see the like of Kevin Warnke, Jean Claude, Joel Runnels, Penny May, Morrisey, K. Henderson, Shane Mwangi coming to Kenya, establishing 'businesses' and gaining lots of money in salaries and benefits in the name of the Deaf in Kenya. I wonder if Togo for instance has a Deaf Association? or an Education system for the Deaf students? BUT Jean Claude purportedly is in Kenya as a good will ambassador! FUCK!!!!!!!

In Norway and Scandinavian countries it is very scarse to find many interpreters - why can't Deaf Aid and SHIA train and supply that demand up there??? they have to come to Kenya.

Hypocrates!!!!

The USA is very ahead in amny of the issues of Deafness BUT we do not want to have degenerates being posted to Kenya inform of Joels and peace corps volunteers. Their contributions are vlauble BUT until they view the Kenyans as partners they will keep giving us more and more white elephants to add to our wildlife collection.

6. We need more blogs like this one. For the dunderheads who do not understand a blog - it is a public diary with private thoughts. Deaf Kenyans do tis kind of gossip on the street anytime every day at Ambassaduer hotel, KENCOM....for those uptight and fear the blog - Meza Wembe. Kubaffu Bure KAbisa.

7. Justice is needed for ll the people who have been implecated in embaselemnt of funds, we must have a clear process of justcie.

those are 7 strong points you can publish Mzee Kiziwi and stop being a PNU sympathezer!

P - People of

N - no

U - Understanding

Kazi Iendelee kama kawaida na Raila Anatosha huku Kibaki Anatoka!

First Corrupt Interpreter, Aggrey Akaranga, Jailed!

Mzee Kiziwi has learnt that Aggrey Akaranga, http://www.disabilitykenya.org/about.htm the famous corrupt Kenyan from a genetically Deaf family’s was charged for forgery, false pretense and obtaining of funds with intent to defraud and bribe a government official!

The forty days of a thief!

He also faced the alternative charge of trying to help a foreigner acquire a Kenyan Work Permit.

This man, Aggrey is well known in the Deaf community as a corrupt money bags.
He was involved in the death of Kenya National Deaf HIV/AIDS Education Programme.
He was involved with Joel Omondi’s Disability Kenya where he is the project interpreter!

Yet he could not raise his massive bond of 100,000 which the learned judge has set thanks to the magnitude of his crime.

In the end he and his brothers Washington Akaranga and Boniface Inyanya had to turn to their Minister brother, Hon. Moses Akaranga, Minister for Public Services.

This is the same Minister who refused Deaf people employment for teaching sign language to Public Service Commission employees. It is worthy to note that Akaranga will never return to become an MP because Pentagon Member Mudavadi will take his rightful place as the Sabatia MP after five years in the political cold.

Now Aggrey is free roaming in the streets of Nairobi. Be aware! Mzee Kiziwi and agents are watching you!

M.K.

Mzee Kiziwi received this comment to IPDD

Dear Mzee Kiziwi,

The whole issue that your author, illiterate Interested Party to Deaf development in Kenya, raised is really thrash and not worth my comments!

But because your author thinks he is so clever let me comment just to show him dust.

First, it is not your stupid writer's mandate to decide who has the right to education in this country.

Education is a basic human right.

Anyone who provides it is given the revered title Mwalimu, Teacher and is greatly respected in our country.

That Mr. Jean Claude and Deaf AID are starting a School for the Deaf where presumably the Deaf will receive free education should be greatly supported and applauded.

Does your foolish writer have money to help the Deaf people of Kenya? What exactly has he done to give himself moral authority to demand that all foreigners should not start a school for the Deaf? Is it him Deaf AID wants to educate or poor and orphaned Deaf children? This is indeed so stupid and I shudder to think that Mzee Bubu supports you enough to give your article prominence in the blog.

He thinks that he is clever by plagiarizing Kenya Society of the Deaf Children’s repot which states inter alia “The biggest problem all private school face today in the Deaf education sector is the fact that they can only get a little support from the government. Government sponsored schools receive tuition fees from the government at KES 10,000/- or more per child, private special schools are getting a mere KES 2,000/-. This is problem....you may ask why? here is the reason. Majority of the Deaf students in the schools comes from poor families and therefore they rely on external aid to educate the children. We will continue to make these children and their parents’ objects of benevolence and never teaching them to fish for themselves or have the government support the children through the huge taxes we are paying through VAT and other various taxes that are currently at between 30-35%.”

What a pity! By its very natural and derived meaning the above article supports private intervention in Kenya’s Special education because of government inertia. How do you teach a child to fish when you do not give it the opportunity of an education? Yet because you have nothing to offer organizations like Deaf AID are not allowed, eh? How clever are you? Up to which lever did you reach in your useless education?

Please give us a break and respect our intelligence. The Deaf children whom you want Deaf AID not to educate are defenseless. They have no other option. Your mother fucking KNAD is dead as a dodo. Your Wango is only interested in his survival only!

The only thing I agree with him is that we must empower the Deaf people of Kenya. But I disagree with you louts on how to achieve this. Here is how to do it!

A; Let anyone who wants to educate the deaf do so without your stupid fuss. It’s their money not yours. This is a free market economy if we don’t like Deaf AID it would not be here. It’s useful as it is.

B. Let us build united and educated Deaf elite. Today only Dr. Ndurumo is the only recognized scholar. Stop our Deaf people ‘failing in KCSE’ we do not fail. We are educated in an unequal system meant for normal children. Let’s petition your Raila to get KSL in the revised curriculum.

C. Let our own Deaf NGO’s CBO’s be run in a transparent manner. Your corrupt deaf leaders like Wango have no moral authority to block Deaf people’s efforts to become self sufficient.

D. Once we are united and we have humble leaders not alcoholics, Yaya whoremasters, etc. we will be able to get one of our own even to the parliament!

Why?

1. KSDC serves its own purposes. Your mother and father probably would never have sent you to school if it were not for the work of this organization!

It does not matter if Shane establishes 1001 schools for the Deaf for the Deaf you illiterate. Learn to appreciate positive contribution that people like Deaf AID do for Kenya. It is their money stupid.

Why not try and ask Deaf elites like Nickson to leave Yaya and use his money to start a school for the Deaf?

I think that the question should be to ask donors politely, pointing out that pointing out that we do not need a Deaf school in Nyabondo in Kisumu while NE province have maybe 2-3 schools? Nairobi has no Deaf school. In any case it is the Government of Kenya’s responsibility, silly!

2. KNAD. Wango. Corruption. Abuses. UNDP mess up. Ogola insults. These are self explanatory and well known.

These are self explanatory and you never have courage to tell Wango to resign. Ha. Many Kenyans really hate Wango’s abuse of KNAD. Why don’t you join me? Because I am a Kikuyu and your brother Wango is a Luo? You complain about lack of coordination, but no, you want Wango to stay because like Kibaki ‘better the devil you know than the angel you don’t’

KNAD has members who are alive and actively working in various places in Kenya please get on your feet and defend your country oh sleeping giant, awake from your slumber oh mighty KNAD!!!!-Amen, but the buck stops with you! Ask not what others can do but initiate!

3. Kenyan government officials who are complaisant, lazy and gullible your days are numbered. We can not be paying huge taxes and you do not give us services - We demand transparency and accountability in the Education sector - KSL to be recognized, all teachers teaching in Deaf schools should be able to use KSL no questions no compromise we want KSL NOW!!!!-

-WOW how will you achieve that? You will bring a nationwide laughing stock because of the mess within your community! Brothers and sisters the only way forward is friendship with our hearing pigs like Jack Owiti, not threats. We will still need these hearing government fools for many years to come.

4. KNAD to organize a million Deaf March in January of 2008!

-Oh brother, KNAD cannot even raise a handful of delegates.

5. NGO council to be given a list of organizations to be audited for compliance and accountability.

-Good: You just give a list to the NGO council? Did you know that corruption is every where even within this watchdog? Oh go ahead with Raila’s authority I hope you will add KNAD, Mzee Bubu, Mzee Kiziwi, ICD, etc. but what will they serve? You are really a fool devoid of the knowledge of micro/macro economics. They will simply cover up their annual books of accounts or refuse because they know how to do so.

Ask Wango how he did it with Abilis AIDS Money!


You say, “These organizations have been given licenses to operate in Kenya to offer service BUT where are the tangible results?”

- The tangible results are there you fools. They have done so much. You instead of looking for a job are watching and farting over what other people do with their money?”

Let’s audit Shane and Nickson too, huh? Where does he get the YAYA apartment money? Could it be money meant for me and other Deaf Kenyan citizens?

5. Petition the next parliament to take action on halting the mask of benevolence.

-The parliament has gone to the dogs a long time ago. No Deaf Luo is currently qualifies to be nominated as a MP. Mr. Nickson take head. You are illiterate for all your degree and you do not know Kiswahili. Raila won’t remember you even if he gets to be the leader of official opposition.


Kenya is ours! Oh yes. And we have the world’s highest inequality. Nickson and Polios of this world life in mansions while the majority of the Deaf lives in slums. Then they (includes you) yell DEAF AID is corrupt! CMB is corrupt! KSLRP is corrupt! KNAD is good! GDC is bad! Shit! You think we are fools to follow you blindly? Just like the Pigs in the Animal Farm -Two legs good, four legs bad?

We will support those NGO’s who want to start schools for the Deaf anywhere in the republic. Your useless words benefit no one but your colonial masters.

Anonymous Critic

Stephen Gachuhi left Care Kenya's 100k for GDC's 20K

Dear Mzee Kiziwi,

Please enjoy our 10 Year Annivesary Issue!

Topics include:

1) GDC Deaf Awareness Walk 2007 - Successful!

2) GDC Welcomes New Kenyan Program Coordinator - Stephen Gachuhi!

3) Jacob Mwaniki, Machakos Teacher's College Gradduate, now student at Gallaudet University!

4) FastTrack Students in Jamaica to take College Enterance Exam.

5) Former U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, Charles Stith Visits GDC Headquarter Office.

-The GDC Team

JACOB MWANIKI IRERI TO RETURN KSHS 15,780 STOLEN FROM CKDA.

Hi there, Mzee Kiziwi!

Here is my response!

I am Jacob Mwaniki Ireri from Central Province. In 1990, I started my school at Kerugoya School for the Deaf for 10 years. This is because I failed to finish the standard 8 years of primary education. (8-4-4)

Thanks to the positive encouragement there, where I had to repeat KCPE twice in order to pass primary education examination. Well due to repetition, finally I did well in my KCPE which saw me proceeding to Rev.

Muhoro’s Secondary School in Nyeri District in 2001.

Mind you I was not qualified enough to study at hearing District or Provincial, let alone, National secondary schools. But I was just too good for a Deaf secondary School.

For the next four years, I received my secondary education there until 2004 where I have passed my finals with flying colour.

By flying colours I mean C-.

My performance there was noticed by the Board of Governors who are used to seeing Deaf people getting E's and D's in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination, and I was employed to teach English Language & Literature there for a year.

This is the only subject I was able to pass at KCSE.

My desire to know more about the world has led me to apply for further studies. With Global Deaf Connections’ backing, I got accepted at Machakos Teacher Training College to do the P1 course which resulted in me being a qualified primary school teacher. It took me two years up to 2007.

The college requires Deaf students to have C- or above. Thus as I said before, I qualified.

While at Machakos Teacher Training College, I was informed about the Nippon Foundation World Deaf Leadership Scholarship as I have applied to Gallaudet University to do a degree in Education. I was offered a place however I could not afford the huge fees there.

I decided to apply for the WDL Scholarship despite the many people saying that it would be difficult for me to win. It was a miracle when I was selected as Gallaudet University’s 2007 Scholarship recipient. I was really overjoyed.

Finishing college on 3rd August, I arrived at Gallaudet on the 24th, starting my first year as a “freshman”. So far I like it here at Gallaudet. I know Kenyans consider Gally cheap, but I beg to disagree. Our useless degrees are signed by the President of the United States!

My hope is to study Education to the MA level then return home to my native country Kenya in order to help and empower the Deaf community in Kenya especially in education, job generation and health care.

Oh, before I have left for the USA, I have been active in our community, for instance I established a self-help project in my home town which have given a lot of hope to Deaf Kenyans. I was the secretary general for the Central Kenya Deaf Association.

There is no secretary general post in CKDA, as Mzee Kiziw pointed out. But to me they are the same.I apologise to all of you for any wrong doin.

I have participated in the Ministry of Youth Affairs’ national essay competition for that I wrote about what I intend to do the one-million shillings if given by the Ministry. To my delight, I was in the top 300 winners out of 5000 (mainly hearing) participants. In fact, I came 40th in the runner-ups.

I have many dreams for our community in my home country where the quote “disability is not inability” comes true.

I will return the TAKEN FROM CKDA for typing and email.

Thanks,

Jacob Mwaniki Ireri

Jacob Mwaniki Ireri - The Truth

This blog is about telling the truth, even though anonymously. Mzee Kiziwi understand you were with CKDA only 6 months. And during that time Mzee Kiziwi further understand you caused more havoc than any other leader deaf, not even the corrupt and discredited KNAD boss, Peter Wango, even failing to attend the associations meetings, your work being done by others, yet going around calling yourself secretary general (the CKDA constitution does not have such a position, just a secretary. Trying to add sugar to feel important). You stole the entire CKDA reserves of Kshs 15,580 (thats the figure Mzee Kiziwi sources quote). Can you deny this? We do not understand how you could do this yet the other officials are much older than you and have been in the association for a long time. Are you that cunning and were you just using the association to reach your selfish ends? Can you be this short sighted? These happiness in the USA are short lived and will not take you anywhere. Who will you come to lead when they all know you are a thief? Mzee Kiziwi knows you are young and have a lot to learn. Good luck!

Jacob Mwaniki Ireri writes

This abusive and mocking Blog needs to be updated...Deaf Kenyans need to be professional and logical in reasoning out issues they think they have great concerns.Is there a way that you(Editor) can recieve various comments or pieces of information and moderate them before posting or publishing for the readers?
Jacob
-Gallaudet University

Dear Jacob,
Allow me to first congratulate you for being a World Deaf Leadership Scholar. (Whether this empty title entails. See the case of Nickson)
Secondly please understand that this is the voice of Kenya's Deaf Community. I allow every comment no matter how foolish or illiterate it is. Unless you use up your three rights of reply I will not delete it.
Therefore Jacon Mzee Kiziwi is not so much your enemy than that some say has made you con Central Kenya Deaf Association.
M.K.

Dr Ndurumo Sacked?

Mzee Kiziwi Hears that Dr. Michael M. Ndurumo, B.A, M.A, PhD, has been sacked from Moi University (Maseno?)for offering poor service. True?

Raila Rais 2012?

The Sheng name of Maina is Maish, Adhiambo is Adhis, true?

Kariuki is Karis, Otieno is Otis.

Then doesn't it logically follow that Raila is
…..…….
RAIS?

Tall Ugandan-American Corrupt Giraffe Writes

Mzee Kiziwi receved this email ...written by Franciscoranit now mzungu mzee wife marry living San Francisco him run away Uganda corruption court steal millions but now change usa citizen thr mzee grandmother wife marriage ...from a source:
Read on...

From: Oranitf@yahoo.com




Dear Mzee Kiziwi,

I wrote this email manty years ago to The Executive Committee RSESA
National Association of the Deaf.

I'm well convinced that most of you are a ware that NDF terminated cooperation with RSESA because of breach of contract and financial irregularities.

It's sad indeed for this to happen at the moment newly elected Executive Committee have not taken up their mantle on RSESA affairs.

I in my capacity as the longest (tallest) caring Chairman in tenure, I'm very disappointed of this news.

For its been a blessing to have started with another cooperation pact with NDF after decade long support from SDR Swedish National Association of the Deaf. Most of you will agree with me that without RSESA in existence; little tangle development in the region among NAD's would have succeeded. So its our dire need to solve this problem once for all.

In the last decade, RSESA has been able to achieve a lot. Awareness and Capacity building for NAD's was strengthened more NAD's joined WFD.

I will comment and put up a few suggestions and respond to e-mail from UNAD.

Taking legal action on those involved. It's the sole responsibility of the Executive Committee to determine what action to take. I agree we need action and the culture of impunity must stop. The culture of Impunity started with SDR because of their conflict of interest within RSESA.
The idea that RSESA be moved to another country. I disagree on this. RSESA office be retained in Kenya because of it's geographical location within the region.
I as the past Chairman, I strongly recommend that the current Director be relieved of his duties and retired in interest of RSESA. He has no integrity to continue serving RSESA its overdue.
To reclaim back NDF, a new director be recruited. The post be advertised in all RSESA membership countries.
In meantime, critical review be carried out. There has been long problem of poor financial control within RSESA. It's been the fault of SDR who failed to implement suggestion from the board to recruit qualified accountant of part time basis.
A suggest the current Executive Committee member from Kenya be assigned to take care of the secretariat while critical review is carried out. It's time to start engaging NDF on the way forward.
These are my individual opinions expressed basing on my experience as former Chairman. However the final decision rests with the Executive Committee of RSESA.

Yours in Solidarity.

Francis Oranit
Former Chairman
1994 to 2003

Gallaudet University Mitigates her poor image!

Dear Mzee Kiziwi,
Responding to Questions about Gallaudet’s poor Rankings,

I. Current Title II reporting procedures unfairly penalize institutions with liberal admissions policies.
The sample of institutions being compared in the District of Columbia is much smaller than samples in the 50 states. There are only 7 institutions in the DC sample: American University, Catholic University,
Gallaudet University, George Washington University, Howard University, Trinity College, and the University of the District of Columbia. Most of these institutions have highly selective admissions policies.
Gallaudet’s mission is to provide postsecondary educational opportunities to deaf students, and for this reason its admissions policies are not so strict as they are at many of these other universities. Is it fair to
compare Gallaudet’s pass/fail rate with the pass/fail rates of highly selective universities – especially when the reporting system only counts those who passed during that one report year, and ignores those who may have passed in a later year?

II. Limiting the time frame to one year only unfairly discriminates against test-takers whose native language is not standard English, and against those institutions that heavily recruit from among minority populations. This year’s Title II Report only shows the performance of individual students on tests during that one report year. Some of these students will go on to pass the required standardized test or tests in a later year. Title II legislation recognizes this fact; that is why institutions are permitted to submit final pass rates on a cohort 3 years after the initial report year. However, just looking at the initial report year alone gives a distinct comparative advantage to institutions whose cohorts are made up of students
more likely to pass the test in the first year. Institutions whose educational mission or admissions policy attracts large numbers of students for whom English is not a native language are therefore at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to comparing scores, if the window of reporting is only the first year. This disadvantage definitely would apply to Gallaudet, where most of the cohort are deaf students, many of whom may have American Sign Language as their native language, not English.

III. Standardized tests that have been developed primarily for hearing test-takers have questionable validity when applied to deaf test-takers. According to the National Task Force on Equity in Testing Deaf Professionals, there is research that demonstrates that multiple choice standardized test items like those used in Praxis tests required for DC licensure severely disadvantage deaf test takers. To be specific,four fundamental flaws are cited by experts in the area of licensure testing for deaf test-takers:
1. Insufficient context in the stem of multiple-choice items for a person not fluent in English
2. Time restrictions on the examination can cause an unfair disadvantage for test-takers whose native
language is not English, and who therefore must spend a longer amount of time understanding the
questions being asked on the test
3. Inappropriate content of some items (for example, items about music and rhyme)
4. Use of unnecessary English language idioms, low-incidence usage of common words with multiple meanings (such as “cotton” used as a verb meaning “to take a liking’), or infrequently used, unfamiliar words that require speakers of English as a second language longer to figure out.
Although the time restriction is taken into account by test accommodations made available to Praxis test- takers with disabilities, the other pitfalls listed above still remain. Is it fair to either the deaf test-takers, or to an institution whose undergraduate population is overwhelmingly deaf, to compare their pass/fail rates to
those of hearing students or institutions who do not have large numbers of deaf students?

IV. Using a pass rate based only on those program completers taking tests for D.C. licensure ignores the fact that some Gallaudet students choose NOT to take the D.C. tests because they intend to teach in other states. While this may be true for most other institutions, this factor has an even greater impact in the District of Columbia because D.C. is not a state, and most teacher education program completers from D.C. institutions go elsewhere to teach. At Gallaudet, many students who complete a program leading to initial licensure choose not to take the required DC tests at that time either because they know they do not want to remain in DC.

V. Do some of the institutions Gallaudet is compared require their students to pass the tests before they can complete the program, thus guaranteeing a 100% pass rate at that institution? Although we do not know to what extent this is a factor in D.C., in some states certain institutions may require their students to pass all licensure assessments as a condition to completing their teacher preparation program. Gallaudet
does not do this. How does Gallaudet know if its pass rates are being compared with institutions that do have such a requirement?

VI. The pass rates on teacher licensure tests for any one year do not reflect the percentage of program completers who end up as teachers. Gallaudet’s aggregate pass rate for basic skills assessments in report year 1999-2000 was 50%, and its summary totals and pass rates was 55%. Compare these numbers with the results of a 1999 alumni survey, which showed that among recent graduates (within the past 5 years),
68% of undergraduate program completers had jobs in the field of education.

Nickson Kakiri lands a job in Aisa

Mzee Kiziwi has reliably informed that Nickson Kakiri, the much hyped first World deaf Leadership Scholar of Gallaudet University, unable or unwilling to find employment or work in Kenya (yet living in an expensive Yaya Apartment worth 45,000 per month), has landed a job in Asia.

This was made possible by his recent meeting with his Japanese friend Prof. Miya Moto.

This is good news for Nickson. He knows what he wants: to leave Kenya since he does not wish to teach, lord over Global Deaf Connection-Kenya where he is the Board Chairman.

But Mr. kakiri, why did you not go to Kenya Institute of Special Education? Is it because they look down on your Gallaudet University Degree? This is your best avenue because even Dr. Michael Ndurumo, PhD (Psychology) who does not know Kenyan Sign Language but who arrived here while we were still in primary school went through there before he was finally recognized and given a job as a university lecturer, a la Maseno University with a full time interpreter.


M.K

Our Deaf Right to Higher Education!

Mzee Kiziwi is concerned about the academic standard of Deaf graduates from High Schools. Big problem there! Why Deaf Form Four finish but Newspaper cannot read? Cannot even write a letter to family members?

Why Deaf Form Four Finish then go Karen where Standard Eight students already study?
It is true illiteracy gives job to educated Deaf like Solomon Kayia who gets 100/= for every letter he write for Deaf! But we must do something for Daef our brothers and sisters! Even illiterate Wango get help from Susan wife Nairobi University graduate.

Mzee Kiziwi think the problem is not having a Secondary School for the Deaf - many there- Kuja, Rev. Muhoro etc. but poor usage of proper Kenyan Sign Language as medium of Education. Mzee Kiziwi hear before Deaf secondary schools (Kuja, rev. Muhoro) start Deaf students study fairly well, pass, go university etc. even without sign language interpreter etc.

Mzee Bubu very very sad now Deaf Kenyans only think USA, UK after form four! Yes Deaf Kenya can go to Kenyan Universities not lowly Deaf colleges like Gallaudet!

Lets lobby with the Ministry of Education to make Kiswahili optional with Kenyan Sign Language for the Deaf people alone. I mean Kiswahili will not be removed but the Deaf are given option of choosing it with or without Kenyan Sign Language.

What must be done? What do you think? Let Mzee Bubu! Have saitoti's email.

M.K.

ABILIS FOUNDATION: Confirmed Deafie Tells about Peter Wango's Corruption!

Mzee Kiziwi is always pleased when a well researched and thought provoking,informative and respectable replies to issues appear on the blog.

Here is one such comment about Peter Wango Opany by one Confirmed Deafie.
Thanks Confirmed Deafie, whoever you are!

It is a pity that Wango and his wife Susan have no response other than to accuse Nickson Kakiriri as being the author of the information below!

=====================

Dear Wango, congratulations on the posted proposal. If it goes through you will be in perfect postion to scoop 3/4 of the money into you fat pockets to finish your house in Rongai and also add on 4th wife maybe this time a Kikuyu?

Wango you are getting old and may have forgottne some of your old tried and true trick with your Mzungu donor friends so let us review.

the idea is to make a big budget and then to find ways to spend very little of the money to eat the balance. Work your magic to spend only 1/4 of the budget and you keep the balance!

How? Follow your 5 steps like you had with your other fake AIDS and Deaf Women workshop paid for by the unsuspecting Abilis of Finland.

1. Pretend to work with ghost KNAD coordinators and associations. You will do this project with regional coordinator from Mombasa? Who is he? He doesn't exist so you pocket that money. Central coordinator is your wife you also pocket that money. West coordinator you fat friend Osano you give him small small only. The ghost associations are ghosts so dont work with them really and pocket that money simple. Like stealing money from baby lucky you.

2. Workshop participants can be village deaf. They dont need allowance only very small money for transport and lunch can be 1 soda and half loaf of bread. They dont know and wont complain. If in Nairobi or town you must only use the most local and low class deaf and again you keep their money.

3. Workshop place can be a local church and say you are deaf and dont have money and they let you use it free. You don't pay and you keep the money. Why spend money on a hotel or conference centre? Both you and Kakiri like doing this.

4. Workshop presented can you be and your other wife Susan. Give you her only small small money like Osano and pocket the balance.

5. Pretend to involve other deaf but use it as excuse for any project failure. You learned one very very useful lesson from your Sweden Colonel Masters- DO NOT empower or build capacity of deaf and then blame them for any problems and even use it as reason to leave them behind and run away with the money. How? You can ask a ghost deaf association to prepare for workshop but you know they dont know how and when they fail you say you wont come and instead go home with the money.

Wango I hope you have liked being reminded about how to eat this money and you must invite me to enjoy dinner at your new house in Rongai once it is complete. But dont invite the UN.

Confirmed Deafie

Wango's HIV/AIDS Proposal

Mzee Kiziwi received this email and attached proposal.

I will reproduce the whole proposal so that Deaf Dears can learn how he works.

M.K.

=

Dear Sir/Madam,

Greetings from Kenya National Association of the Deaf. I hope this email finds you well. Enclosed is a proposal on HIV/Aids for your signature and forwarding to the United Nations National Fund for Disability in New York. I will send to you an official letter for forwarding later.

I hope you will do your best. In case of any problem, do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you.

Peter W. Opany
===============

PROJECT PROPOSAL

FUND: UNITED NATION DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

PROJECT NUMBER:

PROJECT TITLE: HIV/AIDS AWARENESS /PEER TRAINING FOR THE DEAF IN KENYA

EXECUTING AGENT: KENYA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF –
KNAD

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: SHANKARDASS HOUSE 1ST FLOOR RM. 104
P.O BOX 33445 00600 NAIROBI
PHONE:

EMAIL: knadasskenya@yahoo.com

PROJECT LOCATION: KENYA

IMPLEMENTING
AGENCY: KENYA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF
ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS PROJECT

PROPOSED STARTING

DATE: 2006-2007

OTHER INPUTS: TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND BACKING THROUGH
THE WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF



USD 123,966

OTHER PARTIES COST
SHARING/COLLABORATION AND
MATERIAL SHARING FROM:

 NATIONAL AIDS CONTROL COUNCIL - TEACHING MATERIALS

 SWEDISH ORGANIZATION OF HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL AID FOUNDATION – SHIA USD 4500


SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
The project is for HIV/AIDS awareness and peer training for deaf men and women in Kenya within the thirteen branch associations affiliated to Kenya national association of the deaf (KNAD) with a membership of 60,000 deaf men and women. KNAD also targets deaf youth in the eight institutions for the deaf that offer vocational and secondary education to eight hundred deaf youths. This project aims through workshops and training to sensitize and inform deaf youth, men and women in Kenya on HIV/AIDS and the consequences of the epidemic. It also aims at sensitizing and informing government and other NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS on the specific problems deaf people face in relation to HIV/AIDS with a view of combating the spread among this close knit Kenyan deaf community. After the workshops there shall be established peer trainers or training of trainers within the 13 affiliated branches of KNAD to disseminate information and training to the members in their associations as well as in the institutions. For the project to achieve these objectives, three steps will be taken namely:
1. Nationwide workshops
2. Training of peer trainers or TOT
3. Follow-up activities within the branches and institutions

1. NATIONWIDE HIV/AIDS WORKSHOPS
This workshop is a first step in bridging the information gap faced by deaf members. It will seek to empower 86 deaf members within institutions and branches with relevant HIV/AIDS information and sensitize them on their roles in the fight against the scourge within the deaf community. This workshop will act as a launching ground for HIV/AIDS advocacy work by the deaf in the branches and schools
2. TRAINING OF PEER TRAINERS
Following the workshop, there will be a three days in-depth training exclusively for 46 peer trainers from the 13 branches and schools for the deaf each sending two representatives. By training the 46 peer trainers, it is hoped that they will carry the awareness and sensitization efforts forward in their branches and schools.
3. FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES
The last step in the project is to follow-up activities. Having left the workshop and training the participants will most probably go back to the branches and school to discuss the future and how they can improve the training within the field of HIV/AIDS awareness to the deaf in their regions. KNAD will make follow-ups every three months. An estimated 30,000 deaf men, women and youth will be targeted in the first year and pending further funding, another 30,000 persons will be reached in the second year effectively covering the entire membership.




SIGNED


ON BEHALF OF WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF


NAME………………………………………………………………………………………


TITLE……………………………………………………………………………………..


DATE…………………………………………………………………………………….


ON BEHALF OF THE EXECUTING ORGANIZATION


NAME……………………………………………………………………………………..


TITLE……………………………………………………………………………………..


DATE……………………………………………………………………………………..


ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED NATIONS


NAME…………………………………………………………………………………….


TITLE……………………………………………………………………………………..


DATE…………………………………………………………………………………….








.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
The world health organization (WHO) as well as UNAIDS and other non-governmental organizations, as well as global fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria gives immediate priority to the global eradication of the killer disease AIDS and pursuant to this, the governments and non-governmental organizations have taken the crucial task of preventing the spread of AIDS epidemic through training and awareness seminars and conferences. The WHO statistics estimates that there are 36 million infected persons in the world and in Kenya, statistics show that 2.2million are already infected out of a population of 30million. It further shows that 1.5million have lost their lives since the HIV/AIDS virus was discovered in Kenya in 1984. However, no statistics are available on the number of deaf people infected. HIV/AIDS campaigners worldwide believe that if there is efficient awareness and training and information prior to becoming sexually active the youth could adopt an ABC method of safe sex for behaviour change.
This use of information, training and awareness is through access to radio, TV, seminars, workshops and dramas. However, this mode of transmission and accessibility benefit only the hearing leaving the deaf community unaware of the pencils of the killer diseases “AIDS”. This is because the available information in the electronic media and the mass media does not make provision for sign language interpretation to ensure full and effective participation of deaf persons. Worse still the deaf are not specifically targeted effectively for HIV/AIDS awareness seminars, conference and workshops. Recognizing these short comings Kenya National Association of the Deaf has identifies the urgent necessity of organizing HIV/AIDS awareness training to the 60,000 members as an important core constituency in the fight against ‘AIDS’.

2. OPERATIONS OF THE PROJECT
The project will be managed from the existing KNAD administration headquarters at Shankardaas House n Nairobi with assistance from the three existing regional coordinating offices of KNAD in West Kenya, Central Kenya and Coast region respectively. KNAD will engage 3 regional coordinators to coordinate and implement the activities of the branch-affiliated associations in their regions by way of supervising the progress of the on-going training in the branches. The project coordinator 3 regional coordinators, 4 HIV/AIDS specialists /consultants and 2 sign language translators and secretary will manage the operations of the project. The project will use fresh and creative approaches including video shows, focus group discussions questions/ answers session, lectures and demonstrations. Serious effort will be employed in the development of appropriate and sustainable training materials for the deaf to teach HIV/AIDS.

3. EXECUTING AGENTS BACKGROUND
Kenya National Association of the Deaf (KNAD) is a registered National Association of the Deaf whose mission is to promote the welfare pf the deaf citizens of Kenya in all speeches affecting their fundamental rights and strives towards their full participation and equalization of opportunities. The organization since its inceptions in 1987 has been engaged in numerous activities in relation to promoting an equal society for the deaf by raising awareness on the problems facing the deaf in the society, liaising with government and non-governmental organizations on policy formulations on matters pertaining to education, health, employment and social aspects facing the deaf, networking with local aspects and international organizations and Disabled People Organizations, capacity building and entrepreneurship training to members of the branch affiliated associations, job placement to skilled deaf clients and HIV/AIDS awareness training to deaf men and women in the branch affiliated associations. KNAD is also a member of the Disability Human Rights Kenya Chapter and Africa Decade for Persons with Disabilities and the Draft Constitution of Kenya Review Commission.

4. PROBLEM STATEMENT AND RATIONALE
According to the world Federation of the Deaf statistics, there are at least 85 million deaf people in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that 10% of the population in a country is disabled persons. Therefore out of the 10%, deaf people constitute 1% of the population of Kenya’s 32 million people. This comes to at least 1,280,000 deaf and hard of hearing people in Kenya. Furthermore under the current statistics, only 0.1% of the Kenyan deaf population gets access to quality education and medical care and services while the remaining 9.9% have no access to better health conditions, education, jobs and general awareness.

The population of the deaf as whole has been ignored when it comes to campaigns and awareness against HIV/AIDS. The mode of information on HIV/AIDS is mainly conducted through traditional media, music and drama, which mainly targets the hearing community due to the fact that many deaf people have no access to the media since they are not deaf friendly. This has resulted to the deaf being a one of the most vulnerable group and therefore highly at risk of being infected and transmitting the virus among this close knit community.


BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
The deaf are unable to make individual and collective decisions on good conduct or behaviour. They do not know the best behaviour to adopt or maintain to avoid the epidemic. No survey has been conducted to find out the spread of HIV/AIDS among the deaf in Kenya but whatever the proportion, they do not deserve to be neglected because they are part and parcel of the population targeted for HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns in order to effect the behaviour change among the deaf in the community. There is an urgent need to vigorously disseminate the information already existing and those developed by HIV/AIDS campaigners in the fight against HIV/AIDS through the use of sign language interpretation in seminars, workshops, role plays, video shows and drama. This will narrow the information gap between the hearing and the deaf audience and greatly supplement the key roles of the HIV/AIDS campaigners.

5. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
The fact that the deaf have not been part of the mainstream awareness campaigns mean that much of what has so far been gained in the fight against HIV/AIDS is rendered null and void as a section of the community is left out. The primary reason for the ignorance about HIV/AIDS among the deaf stems from the fact that the information has not been made accessible and where is has, it is not disseminated properly in a language easily understood by the deaf.

The proposal seeks to conduct HIV/AIDS awareness workshops for the deaf men and women in the KNAD’s 13 affiliated branch associations and institutions of learning where most of the deaf live and study. Workshops will be organized for deaf men and women in their clubs and students in their institutions with facilitators drawn from HIV/AIDS awareness campaign organizations and the ministry of health officials, video shows on HIV/AIDS ailments, dramas and puppet shows will be shown to highlight the symptoms caused by the HIV/AIDS related illnesses so that the deaf can recognize some of the symptoms of HIV/AIDS thus creating awareness and reducing its spread among the deaf.

DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE
• Organize nationwide seminars on HIV/AIDS specifically targeting the deaf audience.
• Increase awareness on HIV/AIDS through sign language and the appropriate visual media
• Reduce the impact on HIV/AIDS infected persons and families through counseling and personal care
• Reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the deaf community and instill behaviour changes
• Unify and mobilize national and international efforts and resources in the fight against AIDS through mediums appropriate and accessible to deaf persons
• Develop IEC materials and translate existing videotapes on HIV/AIDS into sign language
• Lobby for establishment of a friendly deaf VCT service.

IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVES
• Campaign for increased mainstream participation in ongoing programmes and NGOs providing AIDS awareness training and life enhancing opportunities for deaf persons
• Establish a refined mechanism and resource base for implementing AIDS awareness programmes to the deaf community
• Increase the awareness to NGOs, governments and other international bodies on the seriousness of HIV/AIDS epidemic among the deaf community in Kenya
• Reduce the proportion of deaf persons with high-risk behaviour and the means of prevention/protection against HIV/AIDS transmission by referring them to VCTs for counseling services
• Increase the number of trained HIV/AIDS peer counselors who are deaf
• Disseminate IEC materials videotapes on HIV/AIDS to schools for the deaf and deaf clubs in the country





PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND WORK PLAN
ACTIVITY RESPONSIBILITY SEQUENCE/AIM PERIOD
1. Conducting HIV/AIDS awareness workshop within the 13 branch affiliated associations in Kenya -HIV/AIDS coordinator
-Ministry of health
-Women fighting Aids in Kenya
-Organizing Committee
-Peer trainers To sensitize the deaf men and women on the perils of HIV/AIDS so as to use ABC method for behaviour change

6 months
2.Conducting HIV/AIDS awareness in the 8 institutions /secondary schools for the deaf in Kenya -HIV/AIDS coordinator
-Ministry of Health
- Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya
-Peer trainers Sensitize the deaf students in the institutions on the perils of HIV/AIDS so as to adopt the ABC method of behaviour change

3 months
3. Printing and providing IEC materials to deaf clubs, schools for the deaf and deaf churches -HIV/AIDS coordinator
-Organizing committee Provide the deaf members with deaf friendly educative materials and videos for easy access to acquisition of knowledge

6 months
4. Linking the deaf to VCT services for screening and counseling -HIV/AIDS coordinator
-Organizing Committee
-VCT counselors
-Peer trainers To discover, realize and understand ones status to cope better and come up with a solution
Throughout
5. Visiting NGOs, district coordinators, national and provincial HIV/AIDS coordinators to promote HIV/AIDS training to the deaf in Kenya -Sensitization and networking to promote provision of training to the vulnerable group in the region Sensitization and networking to promote provision of training to the vulnerable group in the region


Throughout
6. Facilitating dramas, puppet shows, video shows and role plays for promotion of behaviour change -HIV/AIDS coordinators
-Peer trainers
-Theatre group Effective understanding of the methods of HIV/AIDS by sensing as a way of knowing

Throughout
7. Workshops on behaviour change for deaf youths in schools and clubs of the deaf -HIV/AIDS coordinator
-Peer trainers
-Women fighting AIDS in Kenya
-VCT counselors To hange ones status from the past to a position that can help one cope for the better part of her/his life

Throughout
8. Conducting peer training for 46 deaf participants in Kenya to carry on the training -HIV/AIDS coordinator
-VCT counselors
-Ministry of health To train more deaf peer trainers to carry out peer training in deaf clubs, churches and institutions
3 months

PROJECT BENEFICIARIES
The project beneficiaries are deaf people and their families allover Kenya. All the members of KNAD in the branch-affiliated associations will participate in the training workshops organized in their branches for three days. It is therefore expected that each branch will send 40 participants drawn from their regions. All together 520 participants will be trained in the branches and clubs while in the 8 schools for the deaf, an estimated 1600 deaf students, 200 from each school/institution will also benefit.
The selected branch associations are:
1) Nyanza Deaf Association -NDA
2) South Nyanza deaf Association- SNDA
3) Kisii Deaf Association- KDA
4) Kakamega Deaf Association -KAD
5) North Rift Valley Deaf Association - NRVDA
6) South Rift Valley Deaf Association- SRVDA
7) Central Kenya Deaf Association - CKDA
8) Mount Kenya Deaf Association - MKDA
9) Vihiga Deaf Association - VDA
10) South Eastern Deaf Association SEDA
11) Nairobi Deaf Association- NAD
12) Meru Deaf Association – MAD
13) North Eastern Deaf Association –NEDA

The secondary schools and vocational institutions are:
1) Nyangoma Technical Institute for the Deaf
2) Mumias Vocational Sec. School for the Deaf
3) Kuja Special Sec. School for the Deaf
4) Rev. Muhoro Sec. School for the Deaf
5) Karen Technical Institute for the Deaf
6) Sikri Agriculture Sec. School for the Deaf and Blind
7) Machakos Teachers Training College Deaf Unit
8) Kambui Vocational Institute for the Deaf

There will also be representatives from NGOs and governments and HIV/AIDS campaigners in the regions. These officials will act as key persons in influencing and encouraging other colleagues and governments to support HIV/AIDS advocacy strategies by deaf people themselves.

INSTITUTIONAL SETTING
As mentioned above the headquarters will be based in Nairobi with three coordinating offices in Kisumu, Nyeri and Mombasa where we have regional coordinators who coordinate the activities of the branch affiliated associations in their respective regions with overall supervision from the project coordinator based in the headquarters in Nairobi. The operations of the project will also have a steering committee composed of members from each of the branch-affiliated associations. This committee will be meeting quarterly. The project will also have a sub-committee composed of experts who will draw up the plan of action and forward to the project coordinator for implementation. At the end of the project the above committees with the coordinating officials will stay in office to facilitate the operations by soliciting funds to run the project or to lobby for its recognition and support by the government of Kenya as per the Disability act which states that government support the appreciation and activities of persons with disabilities Kenya.
VIABILITY OF THE PROJECT
 A network with NGOs, governmental and HIV/AIDS campaigners will have been developed.
 Approximately ¾ of the deaf persons in the branches and all the students in the institutions will have been reached through seminars, workshops, dramas, role plays and meetings.
 46 peer trainers will undergo intensive HIV/AIDS training and train more deaf members.
 ¾ quarter of the deaf may have access to VCT counseling services and get support where available
 Deaf persons will be represented in the HIV/AIDS forum from the grass roots to the National Level
 IEC materials and video tapes of HIV/AIDS awareness will be available to deaf clubs and institution in Kenya
 Behaviour change among the deaf youths will increase
 Members of the branches will be able to form forum to discuss HIV/AIDS in churches and clubs to prevent its spread among the deaf.
 Branches will form HIV/AIDS projects and solicit for funds to meet their projects with coordination from head office.


PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION
A knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) survey will be conducted at the onset of the project and to give a baseline and quantitative data to be used to prepare the implementation of the project and to give a baseline against which to measure the project progress. The project progress will be monitored through regular meetings with the deaf in churches, associations, institutions and clubs and routine field visits. Monthly progress reports will be compiled by the project coordinator and presented to the coordinating committee composed of selected officials and steering committee members. An efficient reporting system will be developed with the donors at all levels. This will be vital for efficiency monitoring progress and informed decision-making.
An internal project evaluation will be carried out and this will include collaborative meetings with the committee and donors to discuss and share project experiences, strengths and weaknesses and t plan any necessary re-alignments and an impact evaluation will be undertaken at the end of the project to measure the outcome against the initial “KAP” survey and project indicators to determine the impact and intervention activities. The findings will be used to advocate and raise awareness on human rights and disabled peoples sexuality issues at community and national levels. Documentation of lessons learned will be widely disseminated among other organizations to maximize the global fight against HIV/AIDS among the deaf in Kenya
RATE: 1 USD IS EQUIVALENT TO 72.00 KSH.

BUDGET PARTICULARS NOTES UNITS MNTH YR 1 USD
YR 2 USD

10: PROJECT PERSONNEL:

17:00

PROJECT COORDINATOR

1

1

6

2500
2500
17:00
REGIONAL COORDINATORS 2
3
6

5000
5000

17:00

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
3

3

6

5000
5000

11.50

HIV/AIDS CONSULTANTS
4

4

6

6666
6666

15:00
OFFICIAL TRAVEL EXPENSES


5

2

2
5555
5555
19:00 COMPONENT TOTAL


24,721
24,721
30 TRAINING

31.00

TOT-TRAINING/ WORKSHOP
6

6

6

10,000

10,000

32.00

GROUP-TRAINING/ WORKSHOP
7

6

6

10,000
10,000

33.00

INSERVICE TRAINING/ STUDENTS

8
6
6
10,000
10,000

39.00

COMPONENT TOTAL

30,000
30,000
40. EQUIPMENT

41.00

EXPENDABLE
EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS
9

1

1

2777


42.00


COMPUTER & PRINTER
10

1

1

1944
42.00

VIDEO CAMERA 11
1
1

694
42.00

COLOUR T.V. 21” 12
1
1

625
42.00


VIDEO-CASSETTE RECORDER 13

1

1


277
42.00

35.MM CAMERA 14 1 1
208
49.00
COMPONENT TOTAL

6525
50. MISCELLANEOUS

52.00

PUBLICATION OF IEC MATERIALS
15

1

3472

52.00

TRANSLATION OF HIV/AIDS TAPES
16

1

2083

53.00

SUNDRY/ COMMUNICATION
17
1
3472


59.00
COMPONENT TOTAL
9027
3472

SUB TOTALS
70,273
58,193


GRAND TOTAL USD 128,466

Nickson's Boss, Amber J. Martin of GDC USA writes!

Dear Mzee Kiziwi,

I am pleased to inform you and the Deaf community that the GDC Kenya position has been successfully filled.

Both Peter Wango Opnay and Dominic Ouma Majiwa were eliminated due to corruption and lack of visionary service to the Deaf Community.

Mr. Stephen Gachuhi has been accepted due to his immense experience with Care Kenya.

Yours faithfully,


Amber J. Martin
Global Deaf Connection, CEO
2901 38th Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55406
(612) 724-8565 V/TTY/VP
amartin@deafconnection.org
CREATING A CYCLE OF SUCCESS

cc: Nickson
cc: Joel

Joel Runnels did not write the fake email

Mzee Kiziwi is reliably informed that the email purporting to have orinated from Mr. Joel Runnels is fake.

The email was meant to tarnish the image of GDC, Joel and Nickson.

It is a sad case of mudsling, and M.K. will not publish the email on the blog.

It is most likely authorized by those who failed their GDC interview.

Mzee Kiziwi strongly suspects it is written by Mr. Peter Wango opany of Kenya National Association of the Deaf.

Pole Joel and Co.

M.K.

The Real problem afflicting KNAD is one man - Wango!!

Mzee Kiziwi, in his continued research to unravel what really ails the only deaf's national association KNAD, unearthed up this letter written in 2003. Very telling that to this day Peter Wango is still flying around in the name of KNAD, and fooling all deaf that if he leave, KNAD will be no more, and worse still quite a number of deaf believe him. Very telling that his wives are still the regional coordinators and even accompanies him to represent KNAD at WFD for the deaf conferences. Very telling that even these regional coordinators have the audacity to tell the current KNAD chairman, Ogola, himself as useless as a rotten pumpkin, off, as they have been taught by Wango. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history"!!

Read on.

M.K.
________________________
************************

From: JOINT AFFILIATED BRANCH ASSOCIATION OF KNAD
P.O BOX 22024, NAIROBI

To: The chairman (name witheld)
Kenya national association of the deaf
P.O Box 33445
Nairobi

Dear Sir,(name witheld)

RE: CALL FOR REFORMS IN KNAD
It has come to the notice of the deaf Kenyans that since your election as chairman of kenya national association of the deaf in January 2001 the association’s image has gone from bad to worse

The following are some of the grievances the deaf Kenyans have observed.

1. Knad was established to cater for the welfare and interests of the deaf within the republic of Kenyans in accordance with its constitution at the Attorney General’s office. However since you were elected as chairman of the association you have illegally allowed the association to be operated like MY OWN NGO forgetting the plight of deaf persons in need of help country wide.

Notable examples are:-
a) Allowing Mr. Peter W. Opany to return back into KNAD office and without approval of KNAD governing council allowing the same person to be the organization coordinator when you know well that this position does not exist at KNAD. Instead there is the position of executive officer.
b) Allowing Peter W. Opany to operate the association’s office like MY OWN NGO by way of encouraging himself to allocate duties in in KNAD office to his wives and other family members
c) Allowing Peter W. Opany to open bank accounts in the name of KNAD and having such bank accounts have signatures of Opany himself and his wife then diverting donor funds to such bank account without approval of the governing council although KNAD constitution states that signatories to bank accounts shall be the chairman, treasure and executive officer.
d) Allowing Weter W. Opany to use KNAD official letter pages to write defamatory letters to some organizations thereby damaging the reputation of KNAD
e) Leaving Mr. Opany to abuse the other deaf who go to visit KNAD office in need of help once they have completed education and need job placement. (Recommendation letters).

2. Failing to mobilize the deaf in Kenya country wide to contribute effectively to the constitution of Kenya review commission on issues concerning the deaf’s welfare in the constitution.

a) Favouring selection of sign language interpreters from Nyanza region to go and interpret for deaf in other areas when you know that there are ethnic language problem that an interpreter from Nyanza can not interpret in an area where the speaker talk a different language from Nyanza. Then allocating interpreters only to regions favourable to yourselves.
b) Receiving payments for interpreters from the CKRC and following such payments to be deposited in bank account that has signature of Opany and his wife then under paying the interpreters to false pretext that deductions are for KNAD telephone bill when you know well that KNAD phones are not working and leaving Opany and his wife to pocket the deductions from the interpreters allowances.
c) Leaving Opany to abuse the CKRC secretary and failing to apologize to the CKRC when required to do so to safe the reputation of KNAD.

3. Failing to supervise the activities of regional coordinators and leaving such coordinators to submit false reports to the donors that they have done good work when you know well the regional coordinators are doing nothing to help the Deaf in their respective regions country wide in Kenya.

a) Sacking the coast regional coordinator and failing to make a replacement then allowing Peter Opany to have his wife as the coast regional coordinator when you know well that his wife has no experience on problem of deaf in coast region and allowing his wife to pocket 2 salaries without paying tax.
b) Allowing the western Kenya regional coordinator to set up finishing projects with donor funds and the projects do not employ any deaf persons them allowing the same western kenya project co-odinator to employ only family members in the fish projects and diverting funds for the projects to family use. The western kenya regional co-odinato’s office has been closed for failing to pay rent for 1 years and KNAD properly in that office auctioned.
c) Leaving central kenya regional co-odinator (his wife) to roam aroung Nairobi without work in her office and allowing this co-odinator to be engaged in political activities. This co-odinator is also reported to be involved in inciting some deaf to write false letter to Sweden donors. The central Kenya coordinator has been in Nyeri for many years and it’s surprising to note that her office is empty without a typewriter, telephone, computer or a file drawer – so where has she been taking office funds to as she shares everything in office from ministry of socio services. Over the years she could have equipped the office with modern equipment with donors’ funds appeals. Then take that central Kenya region has more qualified deaf persons to run that office. So why did you employ a coordinator from outside the region with no qualifications and experience on such problem of deaf in the region?

4. Undermining the rights of deaf women in Kenya to vote rightful leaders on national basis by using donor funds to call a meeting and incite the women to vote for leaders from one ethnic community on tribal lines thereby encouraging tribalism to take root in KNAD. Allowing corruption practices activities to take root in KNAD.
5. No job placement of deaf school leavers since 2001 when you took over as chairman so a hungry man is an angry man. From the above grievances we have noted with concern that there is bad governance in KNAD office under your chairmanship results abuse office.
The administration of the organization does not follow the constitution of the association in accordance with the law. There is tribalism, nepotism, abuse of office and corruption practices which we do not want to see in national organization.
As Kenyans are going to the polls this year to elect their leaders the deaf too need good leadership in KNAD to lead the association. We do hereby give you 21 days notice to make reforms in KNAD office as follows
a) The governing council must interview a competent qualified executive officer to run the association properly without favoritism or tribalism to stop operating the organization like MY OWN NGO.
b) Produce an audited report of how shs.2.2 million donated by Barclays Bank of Kenya headquarter for AIDS awareness to the deaf community in Kenya was used as we are reliably told the funds were deposited in a bank account with signatories of P. Opany and his wife without approval of the governing council and acknowledges.
c) Produce an audited report of how donated by A bills of finland were used on deaf women as the funds are again reported to have been deported in an account with signatures of Opany with his wife.
d) Stop use of KNAD tax exemption certificate in cleaning imported goods at the customs purporting that such goods are for KNAD office when the goods are diverted to personel use.
e) Remove Mr. Peter Opany from KNAD office as he is insulting the deaf and has converted KNAD to MY OWN NGO and his behaviour has damaged the reputation of KNAD office.
f) Stop the practice done by regional coordinators and other office bearers in KNAD of writing proposals to donors for funds and having such approval by ministry of social services and when fund received deposited in bank accounts not known or approved by the governing council. This should cease until competent executive officer is appointed to supervise the activities according to investigation.
g) During the recent move of KNAD office blessed house Mr. Opany had told 2 deaf members and staff to sell something and keep for him 2 doors. He Opany later suspended 1 staff for theft of office property when he himself was involved in stealing and you did not act to discipline him.
h) The Central Kenya regional co-ordinator Mrs Josphine Aska, one of Wangos many wives, has been in nyeri for more than 10 years and it was her duty to set projects that can benefit the deaf, but she has set upon project in Nairobi, Machakos, Nakuru, Muranga, Kerugoya and Nyandarua. She is therefore useless and in being paid for no work when thousand of deaf continue to suffer.
i) Advocacy project officer has brought TV video cassettes for sex in the office which is a bad example to the KNAD visitors to come and see sex movies during official working hours. We view this promotes prostitution among the deaf community.

If you fail to do as requested in this letter within 21 days we shall have no alternative but to take action to close KNAD office and call for elections and proper investigations to clean from bad management.

Yours affiliated associations

(Signed by 11 chairmen of affiliated associations of KNAD. Names removed for legal reasons)

Cc: The registrar of societies
Commissioner of social services
Chairman UDPK
Embassy of Sweden
President SDR
Secretary CKRC
Chairman Barclays bank of kenya
Commissioner of police

Jack Owiti is at it again. Mzee Kiziwi is watching

Dear Deaf Kenyans,

Leave Wango alone.

We have other thugs that need to be dealt with.

Shane Mwangi aka Kikuyu Mzee

Jean Claude Adzalla aka Togolese bustard

Kevin Wanke aka Bootlicker no.1

Joel Runnels aka Randy Bustard

Aggrey Akaranga aka Con Artiste

We need to rid kenya of such people Not mzee Wango. Please

He (wango) is more sensible that those eating Deaf Aid money in committees and workshops or the Akaranga brothers....the MP was to be their liberation BUT NO it is just like any other Kenyan. I am disgusted.

Many of you think Mzee Bubu is Jack, Nickson, Omondi or Aggrey.....well you are all wrong. I feel sorry you abuse each other on this blog as if it is these people who are controlling this blog....sadly they are not.

This blog is the voice of Kenyan Deaf complaining and having free speech.

I would like to commmend the following Kenyans for standing out even in the mudslinging......

Nickson Kakiri - Despite his many falws has been able to come back to Kenya after graduating in the US. It is difficult for him to have a 8-5 job because Kenyans can't pay for him and an interpreter. Though he has been able to get short consultancy work here and there. He is better than those bootlicking and begging for donor money and worshiping the mzungus.

Mzee Pter Wango though labled as corrupt, polygamous and good for nothing. I would like to disagree. From the letters here you all can see that this man is selfless. He is looking out for you all as Deaf kenyans. He went to WFD to represent Kenya, pleading for Rsesa to remain here, for continued support for KNAD etc etc Please do not forget too quickly the work he has done with the TSC, Constitution review and HIV/AIDS awareness. Do not judge too quickly.

Jack Owiti the hearing interpreter and fluent KSL signer. Not many people know him for who he is. He has been in the Deaf community few years BUT watching him the other day in Spain advocating for the recognition of KSLIA, advocating for the training and qualification of Interpreters I am suprised that some Deaf people are lashing out on him. We all know his work at DOOR, Peace Corps and currently he is hidding not fully involved in the Deaf work. To me I would say he is one of the few advocates the Deaf in Kenya have for the success and recognition of KSL and interpretation. Watch out this young man will revolutionize Kenyan Deaf community. I marvel at his ease in mingling with the Deaf and the hearing - Kenyna Deaf peopl he is your link to change. He too is troubled by the usual peoblems we all have so he is no angel.

Josephine Kalunda - I admire her passion for politics and I am a supporter that she gets full into politics.

Susan Mugwe a very resiliant woman. I admire her courage and ability to bounce back.

KSLRP trainers - I support tis group of dedicated Kenyans working to bridge the hearing deaf gap. Dennis, Fransicscah, Petronila, Isabel, Washington, Mweri and Prof Okoth. Truly Kenyan at heart I love you people!!!!

LVCT for the Deaf in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu....I am blessed to know you all. Opiyo, Mumbi, Susan, Silvanus, I cannot remember all the names BUT I love what you are doing. God Bless you!@!

Deaf Churches and their pastors.....I love the fellowships and the opportunity to be in these congrigations.

Deaf Teachers in Deaf schools across the country you shape our future we are forever greatful for you work!

Parents of Deaf - We love you all. Kenya needs you all to arise and fight for your sons and daughter No more silence.

To my Deaf kenayn colleagues. Let there be the love unity and peace that we look for. I am being helped to say this to you in proper English for all to read and understand. Many of you think the world is not reading this. Shock on you the world is keenly watching Kenya.

PLease Mzee Bubu Publish this we need some progressive talk here.

thanks

Jack Owiti
Friend of the Deaf in Kenya.

As the Disability Act continues to gather dust and cobwebs, ......

Kaparo flexes his muscle

Story by OWINO OPONDO
Publication Date: 9/13/2007
House Speaker Francis Kaparo yesterday flexed his muscle, slapping perhaps the harshest sanction ever on a Cabinet minister.

Because of Finance minister Amos Kimunya’s failure to put into effect an Act of Parliament, Mr Kaparo ordered Parliament not to discuss any Bills, motions, sessional papers or any other legislative matter sponsored by the ministry.
_________________________________________________________________________
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Meanwhile no one is least bothered about the Disability Act, itself an Act of parliament, enacted even even earlier - in 2003. There is also alot to be done to make the presence of deaf as a marginalized group known. Quite often whenever someone talks about the disabled, s/he refers to the physically handicapped. Ha!!!

M.K. is watching this space.

Jack Owiti has taken it upon himself to talk for they deaf people, because thedeaf people cannot speak for themselves. Read on.

My dear friend, let us move from political patronage, masquerading to be benevolent and imposing foreign ideas onto our local Deaf people. As Raila rightly said what this country needs is a bridge – We are happy to be that tool carrying the aspirations of the Kenyan people to the Promised Land.

- Aland that recognizes Kenyan Sign Language
- A land where qualified interpreters are available to the Deaf free
- A land where the Deaf are not oppressed at home, school, work or community
- A land where there is interpretation on TV, Parliament, National holidays and at hospitals, churches, prison…
- A land where Deaf people become doctors, lawyers, business people
- A land where the Deaf are not objects of benevolence but equal partners in development
- A land where Kenyan Deaf students ins schools have teachers speaking their language KSL
- A land where Mzee Bubu and Kiziwi will be a happy place to gossip, share jokes and not fight some experts!

This is my

Vision

Dream

Passion

Mantra

For the Kenyan Deaf Community! This is more tangible than paying 30% PAYE to KRA for the MPs to gulp it into their mheshimiwa potbellies!


JackOwiti!

Disability Act yet to be put in force, says MP

Publication Date: 9/12/2007
An MP yesterday claimed the Disability Act passed by Parliament four years ago was yet to be implemented.

Mr Sammy Weya (Alego Usonga, Narc) rose soon after question time to request a ministerial statement from the minister for Home Affairs, Mr Moody Awori, who doubles as the Vice-President.

The MP accused the Executive of taking members for granted.

________________________________________________________________________________

Some one has said the deaf cannot stand on an empty stomach. I am reminded of this truism, "Its better to die on our feet than to live on our knees". Its up to the deaf to make a choice.

DEAF PEOPLE, STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

We are going to use this blog to discuss issues affecting the deaf people. The problems facing the deaf are huge and lets not lie to ourselves that some self styled politicians will look after them once they get to power. The disabled are a tiny minority and no politician will be least bothered with their votes. Already, the deaf are completely divided supporting this or that politician depending on their ethinicity. The Luos, who form the bulk of leadership of the deaf, are already campaigning for Raila, telling the deaf that he will look at their interests (now that interests me. May be those guys believe they will get jobs but if they do the rest of deaf won't get a morsel!).

The deaf should unit and speak with one voice. They should stand up and be counted. You won't be counted when you are begging all the time. The deaf should put their resources to revive KNAD and put in place mechanisms to ensure a few individulas won't hold them hostage by making the national association their family property, like Muirus "Kuna Nuru Gazani"! Placing illiterate leaders at the helmanship of KNAD, such as the current chairman who cannot even speak/write proper english, is to insult ourselves.

Mzee Kiziwi will welcome all positive contributions and publish them in the main page. Come on and speak up.

M.K.

Kenya to get award for excellence - Do we need development or empty politics?

Story by PATRICK NZIOKA
Publication Date: 9/11/2007
The Kenyan Government has once again been nominated for an international award for improved performance in the public service.

The nomination by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, is awarded to those who excel in innovations in transforming Government service.

Performance contracts

It is the second award for the Government in transforming the civil service in as many months.

Recently, the country got the UN award for comprehensively introducing performance contracts across all cadres in the service.

Government spokesman Alfred Mutua says on the official Web site that the award is in recognition of the democratic growth taking place in the country where the Government is now accountable to the people as a result of reforms.

Rapid results

“The Government is now more accountable to the people through initiatives like the rapid results that is being rolled out whereby ministries deliver results in 100 days as well as other reforms including the performance contracting,” Dr Mutua said yesterday.

According to him, Harvard University conducts its own survey globally and ranks countries. Kenya is among three countries in Africa to make it to the top of the list, according to Dr Mutua.

It is only the top 20 that are selected to fight it out for the overall award.

Five finalists and a first winner of the IBM Award will be chosen from the top 20 and the winner will be announced and honoured at a reception and dinner on September 24, in Washington, DC.

‘Human Rights’ a Disguise for Human Wrongs

Editorial by Philip Ochieng, The Nation (Nairobi), 20 May 2001

What explains the crying contradiction that, although lawyers are some of the loudest advocates of “human rights”, they are also some of the crassest thieves from clients? It is that the neo-liberal has only the narrowest understanding of human rights.

To him, human rights are confined to distilled politics and law—distilled, that is, emptied of all economic, cultural and intellectual substrata.

As long as individuals can vote, assemble, speak and move without let or hindrance and are “equal” before the law, they are as free as the birds above us!

Politics and law have become ends in themselves, to be pursued in total isolation from whatever else society is doing. The question is never arises: Why does society need to govern itself?

Sociologists have long provided the answer. People agree to submit to governance only because they are convinced that it is what can optimise and rationalise the production and distribution of their wherewithal.

Econo-material relationships, then, should be the subject matter of all politics and law. This is the whole scandal of liberalism. Although tenure and appropriation are increasingly irrational, and the situation explosive, the need to resolve this tension is never on the agenda of political debate.

That is, indeed, the system's definition. Modern liberalism is economics “liberated” from politics. Capital has been privatised, freed from public policy. What remains public is “pure” politics. Politics has been reduced to procedural issues, a ritual of electing a government, whose job it is merely to police.

To the classical liberal social scientist—from Adam Smith to David Ricardo—there was no separation of economics from “political science”, where “political science” is no more than civics. Politics and economics were studied together as political economy (economy as the content of society and politics as its container).

But once politics has been divested of all material content and the Abstract Individual declared its only beneficiary, society—the political state—has neatly absolved itself from all responsibility for the Concrete Individual.

Because the state has confined all rights to the politico-legal arena, it is easy for it to remain silent on the economics of those rights, namely, their affordability. Liberalism proclaims rights but shirks all social duty to implement them.

The right to sue, for instance, is as useless to the concrete individual as is the claim that Kenyans are free to eat in any Nairobi restaurant. The mass can enjoy these rights only through social action. As individuals, they cannot eat anywhere even if you proclaim a thousand laws. The abstraction of law allows them to enter Allan Bobbe's Bistro. But their poverty is the concrete barrier.

However, since their faculty of thought is so inchoate, the people imagine that they are free as long as they have the licence to bark at the Government, take it court, even vote it out.

As I say, the freeing of economics from political inspection and social responsibility ineluctably results in Grand Canyons between poverty and wealth. Yet these gaps never unduly rankle the consciences of the affuent.

It is what enables our lawyers to speak incessantly about their own “right” to gallivant to pour forth embarrassing political stupidities and, when accosted for it, to whine about their “human rights” being “abused”.

For a liberal is just that: a hollow gut given to eternal meaningless chatter, an empty tin which—as long as his property is safe—makes the loudest noise about freedom.

Democracy is his daily singsong. But, as soon as anything really democratic threatens his wealth, he drops democracy like hot iron. He is totally unmoved by the groaning that his own thick skin occasions at the bottom of society.

Our professionals are not merely untouched by the penury that swallows our people like Okot p’Bitek's “pythons of hunger”. They even descend upon them with the ferocity of Jaws.

More and more of our lawyers are pocketing their clients' money even without intending to represent them in court. They hastily deposit their customers' court awards in their own bank accounts.

Many clients are very old people. Often it is their only money. Some have been saving it all their lives against just such an adversity. Then one day a lawyer calmly grabs it all.

He then attends his political party's rally to utter a whole jeremiad about the Government violating this and that “human right”, his conscience fully at home.

Human rights? Is a human being's humanity important only in the abstraction of gathering for speeches and voting? Does his humanity cease to be important in the concreteness of hunger, disease, nakedness, shelterlessness and the complete ignorance of the choices that may be open to him?

Isn’t free choice meaningful only when the person making the choice enjoys some leisureliness to enable him to become aware of his real self-interests? How can a person who spends all his energy trying to keep death at bay ever enjoy such a freedom?

In practice, such rights as the lawyer is talking about can be enjoyed only by his class. His old client cannot enjoy it because he doesn’t know how to dupe the people with the political abracadabra of many a NCEC. He has never heard of “the civil society” or a “people-driven constitution”.

ochieng@nation.co.ke

Copyright © 2001 The Nation. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

Jack Owiti Wrote

Dear Mzee Kiziwi,

Here is an article I have for your blog....Please publish for the interest of your readers. thanks JO

Halting the Mask of Benevolence:- Empowering the Deaf Kenyans.

As a friend to the Deaf People in Kenya and throughout the world, I have come to appreciate and be part of a dynamic culture, heritage and history of the Deaf Kenyans. I have met some of the most brilliant people in this community and worked with some very excellent programs working with the Deaf.

However we have had several organizations come to Kenya masquarading as missionaries of benevolence helping and giving hope to the Deaf Kenyans. This has become a multi million venture where people of great intentions are sucked into the unending cycle of oppression, dictatorship and neocolonialism disempowering the Deaf leaders and reducing it to beggers and sweets/cigar peddlers and hawkers.

In 1985 SHIA and the Swedish Deaf people helped Kenya form and manage a national Deaf association. 20 Years later we are back at zero due to lack of capacity and empowerement. This is not to discredit SHIA or paint black it's good name, we acknowledge and are thankful for the benevolence and goodwill though we recognize there have been several mistakes and gaps in this process. Personally I still believe that KNAD was disadvantaged to be funded by one donor for that long without systems or mechanism for accountability and transparency.


Over the last two decades there have been several organizations coming into Kenya and establishing 'great' project ideas and visions. Sadly they have not learnt from the mistakes of their forefather - Perpetuation of the Mask of Benevolence. My opinion is that these organizations have never appreciated community entry approaches, view the Deaf as objects of benevolence and not partners in development and are 'copy/pasting' foreign solutions to complex local issues. Many of these organizations have fueled the continued oppression of the Deaf Kenyans, muzzled the voices of the weak and poor while 'eating the ugali' in their big mansions and driving huge luxurious cars in the name of 'helping' Deaf Kenyans. To name a few such initiatives -

- sponsorship of Deaf children....this is not a new thing in Kenya. KSDC has been doing it since 1950s - WHY Replecate?

- digital/interactive KSL manual/dictionary or learning resource - in 2003 Peace Corps volunteers and KSLRP developed an infrastructure for this. Nothing new under the sun ...dah!!!

- support for KNAD to pass through a foreign INGO? this in my opinion is the highest form of neo colonial mask I have ever seen. How can the monkey sit in the jury judging the matters of the forest?

- We need championing in the area of Deaf blindness - many blind Kenyans have a voice but not the Deaf blind -why?

- We do not have a parents of the Deaf initiative making noise for policy change in the education of the Deaf - Free primary education is a case in point - Deaf children receive KES 2,000 compared to the other who receive 5 or even ten times the amount What went wrong? - Simple wrong people being consulted and key stakeholders being neglected period!

As a Kenyan and a critic of these initiatives and organizations I would like to elaborate the key priorities of the Deaf Kenyans as expressed by faceless Deaf Kenyans in English and in a non threatening environment:-

Clearly we have the following priorities that need to be addressed:-

1. Recognition and acceptance of Kenyan Sign Language as the native language of the Kenyan Deaf people - It is the official language for business, instraction and mode of transfering culture and Deaf history and heritage.

2. Coordination of the various scarce resources available for this community. The Finance, Personell and Infrastructure need to be chaneled, phased and equally distributed to the key areas of need - Education, Employment and Environment.

3. Strengthening of KNAD or similar organizations eg KSLRP, KSLIA, and Regional branches of KNAD to better represent the Deaf from these regions.

4. Policy amendments - PWD Act 2003, Special Education Act/policy need to be amended to explicitly and implicitly talk about the Deaf issues - Language, Education, accessibility, healthcare - deaf VCT is a starting point we need the whole continum of care. Policy change is the begining, implementation strategy is very very critical.

5. Empowerment, Empowerment, empowerment - Deaf Kenyans need to be trained, mentored and see models that work. Shinning examples are right here with us - Liverpool VCT, DOOR International, DMI, Peace Corps/Kenya etc etc They are making a difference because they are educating the Deaf and giving them a chance to prove themselves.

I would like to challenge my fellow development workers and the directors and program managers to rethink the strategies that they are employing and to refocus their energies to the bigger issues

- Policy Change - Key to successful advocating.

- Education - Key to success

- Empowerment - Key to good governance

The resounding prophetic call is - NOTHING FOR US WITHOUT US!!! Those who hear and transform will be saved the hardliners will keep fueling the mask of benevolence and keep disempowering the Kenyan Deaf community - Enriching themselves pretending to make a difference with the little hand outs.

Join me in Halting the Mask of Benevolence and fight for the Empowerment of the Deaf Kenyans. The time for those advocating for change is NOW. Stand or be blown away.

Stop the mask! It is your enemy!

Jack Owiti,
Kenyan and Friend to the Deaf in Kenya.

Shane and Shiru Gilchrist Ó hEorpa?

Is Shane Gilchrist o Euorpa married to one Shiru of Humble Hearts?
Mzee Kiziwi has received this unsubstantiated and annonymous message:

Shane, we await your comments before I remove.

Listen you pigs trying to discredit KSLRP:

You are no match to the achievements of Washington Akaranga, Prof. Okoth Okombo and Jefwa Mweri and all those good Deaf Sign Language Teachers at the University of Nairobi!

KNAD is Dead and burried. The only reason it exists is because of the fertile imagination of Wango and Mzee Bubu.

It cannot be revived since you do not kill a snake and then try to do Cardio Pulmonary Resusciation!

You burn it you fools!

KSLRP has set up Kenyan Sign Language into the force which it is today! They have made dictionaries of our sign language, researched and documented our original aspects of signs at a time when Oralism was the main mode of education in Kenya, taught virtually every interpreter in Kenyan soil, among a host of many achievements!

If they have parted ways with Wango, it is because they cannot accept to be strange bedfellows with an evil and corrupt snake!

Now the whole country respects the pioneering work of Kenyan SIgn Language Research Project. Peace Corps will never work with KNAD's Wango because of the way he has abused the American Taxpayers money, especially that of the August Bomb Blast Funds meant to teach newly Deafened Kenyans basic sign language!

Now even Wango, Opiyo, Joel Runners, whole shit and capoodle including Mzee Bubu and Nickson Kakiri run to KSLRP when they need favours! Shane was there only a few months ago, requesting for a meeting place at KSLRP because he does not wish to pay a hotel space in town. When he leaves he sends a serries of abusive emails against Kenyans including KSLRP!

Let us leave these people at KSLRP alone you pig Mzee Bubu!

If you Mzee Bubu are Shane then you must know that that your prostitute of a Kerugoya girl friend (her former boyfriend, Kamau died of TB/AIDS and now we hear you married her and gave her the name Shiru Gilchrist) goes to KSLRP to learn sign language so as to help you steal money from Humble Hearts primary school in Nairob!

The soonest you realise that you or your Maseno prof. are no match to the member of the National Academy of Science, prof. Okoth Okombo the best for you!

By the way, what qualifications do you have, you gay Shane? I am sure that there are many deaf Kenyans who are more educated than you are.

Your only asset is the pale skin of yours which makes it possible to get more funds than Nilotic Nickson Kakiri!

03 September 2007 12:14 (in mzee bubu and mzee kiziwi)

Semi final Saturday is here, Wango!

It all began with a harmless email from south africa:

==================================================================

National Director wrote:

Dear Deaf,HOH and Hearing Friends

Please see this for your perusal and information on WFD Resolution

Thank you,

Mr Bruno Peter Nkosi Druchen
National Director

DeafSA
20 Napier Road
Richmond
Republic of South Africa
2092

Tel 27 11 482 1610
Fax27 11 726 5873
Sms 082 333 4442
Direct fax 0866345861

Email: nationaldirector@deafsa.co.za
Web: www.deafsa.co.za

'Nothing about US without US'

VISIT: www.wfdeaf.org
www.deafsa.co.za

In which the director was sending Deaf people the wfd resolution:

========

CONGRESS RESOLUTION

15TH WORLD CONGRESS OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF
16-22 July 2007, Madrid, Spain

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), its Members and the participants at the 15th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf in Madrid, Spain, 16-22 July 2007,

Reaffirming that deaf people are entitled to the same human rights as all social groups and that diversity is an intrinsic factor in the Deaf Community,

Recognising the importance of children and youth; deafblind; deaf with disabilities; immigrants; Indigenous peoples; Lesbians, Gays, Transgenders and Bisexuals; people in rural areas; religious minorities; senior citizens; and all deaf people as citizens of society with the same rights and obligations as other citizens,

Emphasising that by adopting positive actions, equality among all will be accelerated,

Emphasising that sign language is a human right for all members of the Deaf Community, including those who use assistive devices and implants,

Reaffirming that multi-lingual education in sign language gives deaf and hard of hearing people the best opportunity to achieve full citizenship and enjoyment of all human rights,
Have agreed that WFD and its Members:

· Have an obligation to work together to promote government ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities thus assuring deaf people full attainment of all human rights on an equal basis with other citizens.

· Must work together as a collective group, and those from developed countries must work in close partnership with those from developing countries.

· Must adopt measures to educate and to sensitise the Deaf Community about the diverse variety of peoples and cultures within the larger Deaf culture.

· Must promote gender-equality programmes and policies to ensure the full development and empowerment of women, and adopt measures that combat violence and abuse against deaf women.

· Have responsibility to preserve, promote and protect sign languages and cultural heritages; and to formulate language policies to empower sign language, including indigenous sign languages.

· Have obligation to co-operate closely with schools and educational authorities to promote deaf children’s right to receive a multi-lingual/multi-cultural education and to implement training programmes to develop healthy identities for all deaf children, their families and CODA children.

· Should also protect the rights of children with cochlear implants and other sensory modification technologies to an education in sign language.

· Are responsible to sanction the employment of Deaf professionals in all fields that have an impact on the lives of Deaf people.

· Must promote the development of appropriate training programmes and qualifications for sign language interpreters, and follow WFD principles of co-operation with interpreters.

· Must incorporate the principles of consistent application of universal design with technological innovations of new products and services.

· Must formulate a statement of Deaf bioethics concerns and priorities, and quality medical and surgical care for deaf people, based on human rights principles.

· Have obligation to establish mentorship and positive leadership programmes for deaf youth, and involve them actively in political decision-making and implementation.

· Have responsibility to promote employment and self-sufficiency through Deaf economic empowerment.

· Are responsible to promote equal access to mental health services for all deaf people.

Programmes and actions developed by WFD and its OMs must take account of all deaf people. Special attention should be given to education in both developed and developing countries in order to eliminate any further disadvantage, which brings as a consequence unemployment, poverty, poor health and the lack of self-determination.
Education for deaf people, especially in developing countries, must be an initiative of Deaf persons from that country in order to include and impart their native sign language(s) and culture.

The linguistic and cultural rights of deaf immigrants must be respected as well as assistance provided in learning the language and culture of their new country.

Sign language interpreters are a fundamental resource in achieving human rights and full access. The term sign language interpreter is a concept inclusive not only of hearing sign language interpreters but also Deaf sign language interpreters and interpreter guides for deafblind people.

Technology and e-learning offer access to information, are vital for structured and informal learning and promote independency. The principles of universal design will ensure full communication access and fulfilment of deaf persons´ human rights.

Equal and appropriate access to mental health services, through sign language and Deaf culture and by the provisioning of Deaf professional staff, is a basic human right of deaf people.

In reference to the growing demographic of an aging population, attention must be given to programmes and services for deaf senior citizens.

Sign languages serve as vital instruments to transmit culture and knowledge. The status and recognition of sign languages around the world will be strengthened through language policies, research and the preservation of and the teaching of sign languages. Sign languages should be a part of all national curricula.

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), its Membersand the participants at the 15th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf agree to promote and implement this Congress Resolution to all governments and authorities, demanding respect for the realisation of HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH SIGN LANGUAGES

==========

Most of us would have thanked Deaf South Africa and the WFD.

But trust this pig Wango to reply at length in the most abusive manner even to the WFD President.

Here is what he wrote or rather what his concubine Susan wrote (since Peter Wango Opant is illiterate):

===================================================================

OPEN LETTER TO THE WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF – BOARD ELECTED IN MADRID SPAIN

THE HONOURABLE PRESIDENT MARKU JOKINEN

THE HONORARY PRESIDENT EMERITUS LISA KAUPINEN

THE WFD BOARD MEMBERS

THE WFD ORDINARY MEMBERS

Allow me a little spare time in your busy programmes to have the audacity of congratulating you of being elected the representatives of the Deaf rights in the world for the next 4 years. Ahead of you I think there is an enormous task of implementing the resolutions passed by the delegates at the world congress in Spain.

Before I proceed further I must also thank the Spanish Deaf Association (CNSE) the host country which made it possible for the delegates from developing countries through sponsorship to attend the congress. History is being made that CNSE is the best organizer of the events WFD ever had. It is my sincere hope that the next host of their congress will emulate the example of Spain and sponsor as many delegates as they can. Considering that delegates from Africa, Asia, and Pacific cant bear the cost of accommodation, fare and meals during the congress.

As a delegate to the WFD Congress representing my country’s Kenya National Association of the Deaf I was at the congress throughout the period and followed the events with keen interest. However I did not have much time to meet and have discussion with the organizers of the events as well as the WFD Board. This therefore obliges me to raise the issues that need to be taken into consideration if the Deaf fraternity worldwide needs to succeed.

I have observed some weakness in the organization which I must put forward for any consideration if the board needs to strengthen WFD.

1. NETWORKING/COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP

I have observed that WFD has weakness in networking with NGOs and governmental agencies and UN bodies which made it all a Deaf affair throughout the two weeks in Spain leave alone the government of Spain sending guest speakers on some issues. WFD as a world body must collaborate with WHO, UNAID, UNESCO, EU, UNHRC etc and governmental agencies of each National Deaf Association which is an ordinary member of WFD. The above mentioned UN bodies and NGOs must be the key speakers on issues touching the welfare of the Deaf worldwide and explain what policies are in store to implement these, such examples are:- UNESCO be invited to give key issues to WFD members what policies they are implementing to make education accessible to Deaf worldwide WHO, to explain the policies in store to implement health issues of Deaf worldwide, UNAIDS must also explain what policy they have in store for to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among the Deaf since communication is a big barrier to Deaf peoples access to VCTs worldwide etc.

On the side of governmental agencies representing National Association of the Deaf being invited to the congress is very important since they are the implementers of the policies that the Deaf in their respective countries will raise to them. I have observed many UN & NGOs important meetings where policies are implemented. It is the ministers of each ministry to represent the president in the conference then after making policies the presidents of each member country come together for two or three days to meet and discuss the issues and then ratify it for implementation in their respective countries. Why not WFD collaborate with ministries responsible for disability affairs representing the countries where they have ordinary members to ratify the WFD policies for implementation in their countries. If WFD collaborates with ministries concerned then the participation of Deaf delegates to the congress can’t be a problem because each government has funds at disposal, but the only way that hinders it is poor partnership with WFD. If WFD has strong partnership with the governments responsible for disability affairs in countries where they have members then the issue of governmental oppressing the Deaf will be a thing of the past. WFD must drop its habit of telling member countries to do it and work three ties, that is the government responsible for disability affairs and National Association of the Deaf as well as National Council for people with disabilities in the ordinary member countries. Governments of these countries have budgets at their disposal and can attend such functions provided there is strong bonding between WFD and National governments. As is the case now, the bonding is between WFD and National Association of the Deaf. No governmental agencies in developing countries know of the activities of WFD, yet it was formed almost 60 years ago. It is high time now for WFD to wake up and collaborate with governmental ministries responsible for disability affairs in their member countries. This does not mean meeting them face to face but to write to those governments introducing the works of WFD and its policies in empowering the Deaf worldwide, newsletters, brochures, bulletins and any informative materials can be sent. It is sad that what we are fighting for in our countries none of our governmental agencies know of. The policies of the Deaf are not taken seriously by the government leave alone Deaf people with public watching at them. During the International day of the Deaf WFD must dispatch circulars to governmental agencies and National Associations of the Deaf to make the event known by and implemented by all players concerned. I hope WFD board will take these issues at hand.

2. LEGAL SEAT

Another issue that surprised me at the Assembly was the argument on the legal seat of WFD. I wonder how National Associations of the Deaf that are ordinary members can have their legal seats leaving WFD like a sparrow that moves from a cold country when it is cold to a warm country. This has deteriorated the status of WFD in relation to strong collaboration with world bodies that is why WFD is weak in financial status. It is only Nordic countries that are holding the WFD because their governments respect the rights of persons with disabilities. It is high time that WFD have a legal seat and permanent administration that it can call its own where it can have correspondences with UN agencies, NGOs, DPI and National Associations of the Deaf. It is saddening to hear today WFD office is located in Sweden, next in Denmark then the next in Finland and later on looking for the holders to hold it. I think the WFD board must come to terms with this issue as was resolved in the General Assembly. A house that is moving from place to place will never stand considering the situations in these respected countries differ and their policies also differ in any way that is why WFD for a long time do not have resources at its disposal like developing countries in Africa which rely on resources from the West and when funds are cut off all activities remain dormant then the Association’s name goes into oblivion.

3. FUND RAISING

Another bruising issue is lack of capacity to raise funds to meet some of the budgetary constraints in WFD and most of the activities are supported by the host National Association. This trend must be reviewed and make WFD self reliance. WFD being a world body can in any way appeal for grants from UN agencies to supplement its desired related activities if it has strong collaborations with UN agencies. How can it be that WFD cant get grants from its rank and file and yet tell its ordinary members to role up their sleeves to fund raise for their activities in their National Association yet they have very little capacity to do so except a few with organizational management skills who can manage to raise a little.

4. REGIONAL SECRETARIAT OF WFD

We very much appreciate the establishment of regional secretariats of WFD to coordinate the activities of WFD in the 7 regions of the world. These regional offices are supported by some disability organizations that have the available resources. However, WFD do not have any ability to meditate incase of poor management and coordination of activities. All the problems arose are left to the partner organization supporting that regional office. I wonder how can a regional secretariat be called WFD regional secretariat yet WFD has no ability to solve any error that may arose in collaboration with the partner organization supporting that respective regional office. I hope that the current board will revisit the WFD organizational policy on the establishment of regional offices and make them closer in working partnership and can have a say on issues that arose instead of being used as source of getting information on the ongoing activities from the National Associations of the Deaf in the region.

5. CONCLUSION

We in the Deaf community have an obligation to serve the interest of our Deaf brothers and sisters to the best of our abilities however we be supported by donor countries or not. We must eschew the gospel of preaching how poor and oppressed we are in our respective countries. We must come out with a strong policy that was passed at the WFD Congress in conjunction with our governmental agencies which I have requested to be included in the WFD General Assembly to observe the passing out of the rules for them to ratify as governmental agencies. We must come to the realistic that not all the governments in the world have all the resources at disposal. Even the UN agencies lack the necessary resources to implement their policies but when they come together they explore ways and means on how to get the resources even in urgent matters to offset the harbingers. It is high time now that we make policies at the congress that envisage a decade plan of action with clear strategies on how the actions will be implemented and what will be the role of each member country in conjunction with the ministry concerned. I have been in two WFD congresses now: 1^st in Austria in 1995 and then in Spain this year. What I heard in these congresses were the same issues, sign language, Deaf culture, Deaf Associations and cooperating countries etc. but no strategic plan has been made between the WFD/National Associations on how these will be achieved in conjunction with the respective governments, it is only the Western World that have achieved the objectives, the undeveloped countries still cry foul. In the words of great mahatma Gandhi of India, I quote here. “When the cause is right the means will come”. Let us fight for the right cause with the right people with us at all times to implement the objectives. As I mention these issues I do not mean I am equal to implement all the issues raised. Neither can a peasant raise an issue for a king to make into policy but ideas of diverse contributions can change the cause. To WFD I say that no ray of sunshine is ever lost, it is not always given to the sower to reap the harvest but the green in its existence needs time to sprout. All work worth doing is done by an act of faith.

Thank you and God bless you in your endeavors as you strive to make a better world for the Deaf.

Peter W. Opany

Kenya Delegate to WFD