In a country still grappling with the provision of quality inclusive education for all lies Masaka School for the Deaf which endlessly works to enable deaf and hard to hearing children to live a meaningful life in the future by providing them with education and equipping them with essential skills of life. As we bid farewell to another magnificent year, we express our deepest gratitude to our directors, school administrators and sponsors for their unwavering support and commitment which have made this year a success. We are so thrilled and appreciative to have shared this years’ results of hard work with you.
In the year 2023, we have obtained milestones that have contributed to creating a safe environment that allows deaf and hard to hearing children to break the world of silence by learning sign language, primary education and vocational skills. Your continued support has been instrumental in successfully completing 2023.Below are some of the achievements attained in the 2023 academic year.
Re affirming the spirit of championship in sports.
In a one-week National Netball tournament for children with disability that took place in Mbarara, Masaka School for the deaf defied the odds in sports as the school netball team emerged victorious. The spirit, hard work, teamwork and determination of the netball team towards becoming victorious not only resonated with their potential to achieve success in whatever they do but also exposed their zeal to fight disability stigma among young children.
Furthermore, the unfathomable efforts of the school administration towards developing the talents of the students did not go to waste as the netball team secured 3 prestigious trophies and medals for each team member. Notably, the participation of the students in different sports tournaments was an indicator of the inclusive nature of sports and the talents possessed by the deaf and hard to hearing children. As this victorious historical fact continues to be celebrated, our heartfelt acknowledgment goes to the parents and guardians of the netball champions, the coaches and the organizers of the National Netball tournaments for recognizing and rejuvenating the talents of our youngsters.
Endorsing sustainable environment use and climate change.
Uganda being part of the UN member countries that strive to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals specifically goal 13 of climate action, Masaka School for the deaf participated in the Uganda Land Care Network Competitions for sustainable environment use and climate change where the school merged the 2nd out of 60 schools that participated in Masaka District. The second position was accredited to the tremendous work done by both the school administration and the students initiating and nurturing food forests, woodlot nursery beds and the continuous memorial tree planting done by our school visitors and sponsors. The second position was accompanied by a certificate of participation and environmentally friendly dustbins for the school.
Appreciating the growing digital era.
With the generous support from MTN Uganda, courtesy of MTN Digital Access Program, Masaka School for the Deaf subscribed to the list of many schools that have benefitted from the establishment of fully equipped computer labs under the MTN Uganda’s foundation efforts to boost information and communication technologies in underserved schools and communities. The computer lab is comprised of 10 computers, power backup and internet connectivity. The computer lab came in at a time when Masaka School for the deaf was scuffling to bridge the gap between effective communication among the deaf, hard to hearing children and their peers, developing the research arm among the students and equipping them with computer skills that are currently on high demand. The significant gesture by MTN is a stride towards the achievement of digital inclusivity especially among deaf and hard to hearing children.
For the 2023, academic year, our sincerely gratitude is extended to the organizations and companies that have played a vital role towards our mission of enabling deaf and hard to hearing children live a meaningful life by providing them with primary education and equipping them with basic vocational and essential life skills.