The main objective of St. Anthony’s School for the Deaf is to cater for the basic needs of deaf children. The school’s mission is to equip them with a formal education and with practical skills, which will make every single student a well-rounded citizen who can sustain himself within his society.
Teaching the children how to use sign language and how to read, as well as, affording them opportunities to meet other children facing similar challenges has an enormous impact on the future life-directions of these otherwise lost human beings. Without attending St. Anthony’s School for the Deaf most of these students would never have the opportunity to learn the basics of daily communication and live a normal life.
The founder, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ssenkaayi, provided land for the construction and establishment of the school towards this noble cause; hence, it is a Catholic founded school. Currently the school has an enrollment of 50 students taking classes. Students range in age from pre-school to fifth grade. Furthermore, St. Anthony’s School for the Deaf also maintains a vocational training center. Currently, three deaf girls are learning how to knit sweaters and four boys are learning basic metal fabrication and welding.
The school provides most of the daily living necessities for the children at school, from personal hygiene needs to scholastic materials, to food and healthcare. The administration provides all areas of care for the children. Some parents refuse to allow their children to return home from school for holidays. Oftentimes, the staff stays with their students even during their free days.
The society’s perception and mentality is another huge hurdle to overcome for deaf children in Uganda. Many people claim that these children are cursed and treat them with abhorrence and disdain. Some of our students’ parents tried to kill them, left them with other family members or treated them like animals. St. Anthony’s School for the Deaf seeks to inform and to teach the community about deaf children, and hopes that in time, to change the general attitude towards the deaf in Ugandan society.
St. Anthony’s School for the Deaf needs help to continue its mission to improve each child’s life through education. The administration depends entirely upon the generosity of others to care for the well-being of our students and staff. You are invited to come and visit the childen and to learn much more about their resilience in despite their daily challenges