From Friendship, to Sign Language
Charity Anyango Mukoya, hailing from Mumias town, is committed to closing communication gaps and promoting inclusivity. Her educational path started at Mumias Township Primary School, continued at St. Paul’s Lubinu, and took a distinctive turn at St. Angela’s School for the Deaf. It was during this time that her interest in sign language interpretation was ignited, fueled by her wish to connect with a friend who has a hearing impairment.
The desire to communicate with her friend grew even stronger, and despite Charity being the only student who could hear at the school, she committed herself to learning sign language. She would write questions for her classmates and they would sign the responses.
Like many students, Charity’s journey faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The long break from school caused her sign language skills to diminish. When she returned, she had to start from the beginning, rebuilding her knowledge. Undeterred, Charity enrolled at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), where she specialized in sign language interpretation. This choice marked a significant turning point, providing her with the professional skills needed to follow her passion. She later refined her abilities in hospitality at the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies.
Back home, Charity put her skills to use by interpreting for her local church’s Sunday services, as a volunteer, ensuring her sign language proficiency remained sharp. This commitment led to a transformative phone call that connected her with Riziki Source. Riziki Source works to bridge the gap between persons with disabilities and the workforce and recognizes the need for a sign language interpreter to help facilitate communication between employees and an office assistant who has a hearing impairment, as well as the participants who are Deaf.
Charity’s position as a Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) at Riziki Source has been crucial in creating a more inclusive workplace,it provides every member of the organization with equal access to professional resources and opportunities, ensuring that everyone can maximize their potential. However, like many interpreters, she encounters challenges when working with fast speakers, which can hinder the translation process.She agrees on a discrete signal with speakers that indicates they need to slow their pace as she signs. Despite this, Riziki Source appreciates Charity’s varied skill set, incorporating her hospitality training into kitchen duties. This comprehensive approach not only keeps her sign language skills sharp but also fosters professional development and personal satisfaction.
Charity is a passionate advocate for the ongoing practice of sign language that happens every Friday afternoon with the whole team, to help improve the sign language skills for all employees. She believes that regular effort is essential for expanding knowledge and enhancing communication with individuals who have hearing impairment. She also promotes patience and understanding towards persons with disabilities, urging society to fully embrace persons with disabilities: “giving up on persons with disabilities is not an option,” she says.
Charity’s journey provides important lessons for Riziki Source and other organizations aiming for inclusivity:
Charity’s experience illustrates the significance of recognizing and leveraging the diverse skills of employees. Riziki Source’s use of her hospitality skills exemplifies a comprehensive approach to employment.
Her story is a compelling reminder that by dismantling barriers and embracing diversity, organizations like Riziki Source can tap into the full potential of their workforce, fostering a more equitable and inclusive world.
Her experience highlights the necessity for continuous training and support for sign language interpreters to enhance their skills and tackle challenges such as fast speakers.
Charity’s advocacy for patience and understanding towards people with disabilities emphasizes the importance of cultivating a culture of empathy and inclusivity in both the workplace and the wider community.
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