Joseph Etyang works with Upili as a counsellor in Kambui School for the Deaf
My Journey with Upili: Understanding Challenges Faced by Deaf Students in Kenya
My name is Joseph Etyang, and I am a Deaf person based in Kenya.
When Miriam Ndegwa first introduced me to Upili, I had no idea what to expect. Initially, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of the initiative, but over time, I have come to realize that Upili is a ground-breaking innovation for the Deaf community in Kenya.
The initiative focuses on empowering students with disabilities through two teams: one supporting Youth with Physical Disabilities and the other dedicated to Deaf youth, like myself. For the first time in Kenya, an initiative is addressing the unique challenges that Deaf students face, and I feel fortunate to be part of this journey.
Through Upili, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the struggles Deaf students endure in boarding schools, particularly regarding mental health and the abuse they experience both at home and in school. Many Deaf children live in isolation—not only because of their disability but due to the lack of support systems that truly understand their needs. While communication barriers are a major issue, the emotional and psychological toll of being marginalized is even more damaging.
Mental Health Struggles of Deaf School Children
One of the most eye-opening aspects of my experience with Upili has been learning about the mental health challenges Deaf children face, especially in boarding schools. Many Deaf students are sent away from home to study, where they are expected to thrive, but they often face challenges that make this difficult. The isolation from their families, coupled with the lack of adequate support in schools, places Deaf children at higher risk of developing mental health issues. Without access to counselors or teachers trained in sign language, many Deaf students are left to cope on their own.
This isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, as Deaf students feel disconnected from the world around them. Bullying and discrimination, both from peers and sometimes from staff, add to this burden. Furthermore, many Deaf children experience abuse at home or in school, further deepening their trauma and negatively affecting their well-being.
Through Upili, I have learned that many Deaf students feel invisible or unheard, but the initiative is working to change that by creating safe spaces where Deaf children can share their experiences, seek support, and find strength within their community.
Advocacy for Deaf Mental Health
My journey with Upili has emphasized the need to raise awareness and advocate for Deaf mental health, particularly in schools and homes. The mental health needs of Deaf individuals have been neglected for too long. In many cases, families and schools lack the understanding necessary to support the emotional struggles Deaf children experience due to exclusion and isolation. This absence of awareness worsens their situation, leaving them without the emotional support they need to thrive.
Upili goes beyond providing resources—it fosters an environment of inclusivity where Deaf children feel seen, heard, and valued. By creating support systems in schools and homes, Upili advocates for the mental health of Deaf students, ensuring their emotional, academic, and physical needs are addressed. This helps them cope with the unique challenges of being Deaf in a hearing-dominated world.
In a broader sense, Upili sheds light on the need for inclusive mental health services for the Deaf community. Whether through training counselors in sign language, implementing mental health programs in Deaf schools, or educating families, advocating for Deaf mental health is essential. As a Deaf person, I know that mental health is as vital as physical health, and initiatives like Upili are crucial in ensuring that Deaf children receive the comprehensive support they need.
Conclusion
My experience with Upili has opened my eyes to the mental health struggles faced by Deaf students in Kenya and the urgent need for awareness and advocacy.
Upili is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline for Deaf children who have been suffering in silence. By providing them with a voice and support, Upili is helping them overcome their challenges and ensuring their mental health is prioritized. This initiative is making a lasting impact, and I believe it will continue to benefit future generations of Deaf youth in Kenya schools.
