Barriers to Effectively Educating the Deaf in Kenya

Barriers to Effectively Educating the Deaf in Kenya

Jack Owiti the hearing interpreter and fluent KSL signer.

Jack Owiti the hearing interpreter and fluent KSL signer.

Sights of Interpreting in Kenya

In my work as an interpreter here are some of my moments.

http://dancinginterpreter.kbo.co.ke/home 

 Here I was at KBC Channel 1 Interpreting DAMKA a Swahili current affairs program. The topic was about Youth, Employment, Human Rights, Economic Empowerment etc

At the opening of the WFD - YS speeches are sometimes my favorite assignments especially if you have interacted with the speaker for a while it is easy to capture the spirit of their talk with ease.

TV Interviews are challenging if the reporter does not understand the dynamics of the Sign Language Interpreter (Voice to Sign and Sign to Voice) all in a split second.

 Government officials read word for word speeches from their superiors, it is protocol however it is very mechanical for the interpreter and can be a real challenge due to the fact that you never get to read the speech before hand. It is always shock and awe working on your feet.

Capacity building for young interpreters in always my joy and pleasure. Mentoring is a double edged sword for interpreters. The joy of seeing your protegee take on assignments is priceless.

The Three Princes of Serendip

by ‎Jack Owiti‎ on ‎‎Thursday, March 19, 2009‎ at ‎4:38pm‎ ·‎

"In ancient times there existed in the country of Serendippo, in the Far East, a great and powerful king by the name of Giaffer. He had three sons who were very dear to him. And being a good father and very concerned about their education, he decided that he had to leave them endowed not only with great power, but also with all kinds of virtues of which princes are particularly in need."

The father searches out the best possible tutors. "And to them he entrusted the training of his sons, with the understanding that the best they could do for him was to teach them in such a way that they could be immediately recognized as his very own."

When the tutors are pleased with the excellent progress that the three princes make in the arts and sciences they report it to the king. He however still doubts their training and summoning each in turn, declares that he will retire to the contemplative life leaving them as king. Each politely declines, affirming the father's superior wisdom and fitness to rule.

The king is pleased, but fearing that his sons' education may have been too sheltered and privileged, feigns anger at them for refusing the throne and sends them away from the land.

read more ..... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Princes_of_Serendip 

What is the relationship between sex and politics? Any answers?

What is the relationship between sex and politics? Any answers?

by ‎Jack Owiti‎ on ‎‎Monday, May 4, 2009‎ at ‎4:10pm‎ 

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- people can abstain from both

- involves both male and female
- everyone has an opinion on the style which is preferred... Read More
- there is always loyalty and betrayal
- causes an adrenaline rush every time you engage in it
- greatest source of joy, pain, hate, love, happiness
- short lived gratification if done for selfish gain
- source of income for a select few
- can be corrupted by a twisted mind - think of porn, dictatorship, prostitution, political patronage
- every man thrills at the chances of getting in, women always want to be on top
- deals are always done in darkness - bedroom, hotel room, late night meetings
- there is always a shroud of secrecy involved - no one tells the truth. (some) Men fake their prowess, (some) women fake orgasms, it is not as good as it is always told – grass is never greener on the other side! political power is always exaggerated to scare the other side or win more followers
- like politics a good lay always has a great following - try see a dude or chic with a great track record you will not believe the trail of possible partners.
- largest economic activity carried out by both the poor and the rich, people in Kibera and Lavington all engage in sex and politics at some point in their lives, spend huge sums of money to get more of it - by buying favors, opportunities or partnerships.
- depending on the levels there are few or no credentials to participate so long as you have the skills to negotiate, influence and persuade you are in!
- if you have money you can buy! see our politicians during campaign periods....men on K street, sugar mummies, daddies
- there is institutions for the practice of both - parliament for politics, marriage for sex BUT people engage in them without regard for these institutions
- there is always a push for the young blood to get into politics while the young are urged to abstain from sex
- the original intended purposes are not always in mind of those participating - not all politicians are development, good governance oriented - not all having sex want children, love, marriage etc
- rules apply yet they are broken left, right and center.....level playing field? not necessarily
- trivial issues always show up when things go wrong - during the break up the parties will hang all the dirty linens for all to see.....he snores, knows on style, etc etc political trouble is about who should be allowed to speak, who signs what, who is more powerful, types of cars, no. of bodyguards, etc etc
- one can skip, hop, step and jump from one party to another, similarly sex partnerships can be simple as changing clothes there is always multiple partnerships.....BUT again there are those who are very loyal, faithful and focused.
- atl east in Kenya this week, national headlines were on sex and politics!

To Be Continued


Special thanks to PMO for the inspiration.
OJ Scribe - Dexterity Media (c) 2009

corrupted Kenyan National Anthem - for the thieves and politicians

corrupted Kenyan National Anthem - for the thieves and politicians

by ‎Jack Owiti‎ on ‎‎Tuesday, May 5, 2009‎ at ‎3:50pm‎ ·‎

FOR KENYANS ONLY Politicians of all persuasions
Strip this our land and nation.
Fortunes motivate us and keep us.
May we steal with impunity
Dodge taxes in unity;
Plenty be sourced within our dockets.
Let all politicians arise
With scams both wily and foolproof.
Eating be our earnest endeavor,
And our cake-stand of Kenya ,
Heritage of plunder,
May we fight forever to perpetuate

Compared to the original true and awesome words enshrined by our founding fathers.....It is a shame how low we have fallen!!! am sad, grieving for my country.....

O God of all creation,

Bless this our land and nation.

Justice be our shield and defender,

May we dwell in unity,

Peace and liberty.

Plenty be found within our borders.

How to Work Effectively with an Interpreter

an article I wrote for KSLIA in 2006

 

How to Work Effectively with an Interpreter

The People with Disabilities ACT 2003 requires that all organizations, service providers, companies or institutions, both private and public adapt the environment to provide reasonable accommodations as well as provide resources (such as interpreters, note takers, assistive devices, etc) so that the establishments and presentations are completely accessible.

Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters Association (KSLIA) in its continuing effort to provide information, support and equal access to the Kenyan Deaf community has listed, circulated a Code of Ethics - standard practices, and a Registry of Interpreters in Kenya in order to assist you in your communication needs. This information should prove helpful to both the hearing and Deaf/Hard of Hearing who may be using an interpreter (s) for the various Interpretation needs.

Because the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community is varied in the methods of communication, a vast majority of Deaf Kenyans uses Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), some use lip reading, or various combinations of communication options. The method of communication has nothing to do with the Deaf person’s intelligence.

ROLES OF THE INTERPRETER

The basic purpose of the interpreter is to facilitate understanding in communication between people who are speaking and/or signing different languages.

1. Facilitation = implies that the interpreter may have an active, rather than passive, role to play.

2. Understanding = implies that the goal of the interpreter goes beyond simply repeating words to being reasonably sure that the message was understood.

3. Communication = is important because the interpreter cannot facilitate understanding on all levels but rather must focus on an understanding of what was said.

4. Speaking = Refers to the fact that interpreters deal with spoken language; those who render written messages from one language to another are called translators

In this process communication barriers are bound to affect communication between the parties. Some of these are: -

1.   Linguistic barriers: differences in spoken or signed languages

2.   Conceptual Barriers: some lawyers, doctors, therapists, professionals in varied fields use very complex language which might be understood by someone with an advance education but no by someone with limited formal education.

3.   Cultural barriers: differences in culture that lead to dissimilar expectations of behavior that affect both the meaning of the communication, quality of care, and level of interaction.

To work effectively with Interpreters here are some tips: -

1.   A professional Sign Language interpreter is provided to you to facilitate communication between you and the Deaf person(s). This means the interpreter is not there to answer personal questions, but will interpret everything you say to the Deaf person(s) and everything the Deaf person (s) says to you, the hearing person (s).

2.   Everything that is interpreted is kept strictly confidential by the interpreter and will not be discussed with any unrelated parties. (Exhaustive explanations available in the KSLIA Code of ethics document)

3.   In order to assist the interpreter to do their work with the most efficiency and accuracy, any materials, speeches, lesson plans, textbooks, etc. should be supplied to interpreter prior to the assignment.

4.   Because of the mental and physical demands of Sign language interpreting, the presenter/speaker should be cognizant that the interpreter may need rest periods. For assignments over two hours long, two interpreters (or more depending on nature of situation) will be assigned to team interpret. Each interpreter will still remain present to provide support to the other even when in the “off” position.

5.   While on assignment, interpreters will not participate, make comments, add or edit anything that is being presented by either party. If you wish to have further information about the interpreting process, profession and other related matters, the interpreter may agree to meet/present at convenient time when not on assignment.

6.   Questions about the Kenyan Deaf community are best directed to primarily the Deaf person(s); the professional interpreter may be able to also assist with additional information.

7.   In order to maximize the communication process, the seating arrangement should be such that the Deaf person(s) can see both the instructor/presenter and interpreter in the same sight line. This is generally, but not always, at the front of the room, with the interpreter seated or standing by the instructor/presenter. Other arrangements, such as circle or semicircle may be appropriate in certain group settings. In all situations, the Deaf person(s) should be consulted.

8.   It is important for the benefit of all that one person speak at a time, and that, due to the natural momentary delay in the interpreting process, that a few seconds are given in order for the deaf person to “catch up” and participate in answering, asking questions, etc.

9.   Due to the visual nature of the language, lighting should be sufficient at all times, including partial lighting during video or other visual presentations where the lights are generally completely off.

10. Always speak, ask questions, and maintain eye contact with the Deaf person(s), not the interpreter. Speak at a normal pace. If there is any problem with the speed or in understanding some particular segment or terminology, the interpreter or the Deaf person(s) will let you know.

11. Please do not walk or stand in front of the interpreter and the Deaf client (s). If it is the tendency of the presenter/instructor to move around the room and/or refer to posted/written material, the interpreter may need to be seated or position at a visible place.

This list is not an exhaustive list and is intended to give a guideline and examples of some of the most common situations experienced while in an Interpreting situation. If you have any questions or if we can be of further assistance, please feel free to call us at any time.

Visit us at www.kslia.blogspot.com Email: kslia_chairman@yahoo.com Call: 254 723 343 516

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.

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 is an Interpreter, a Trainer and a ‘member of the Deaf community in Kenya. December 18, 2007

Jack Owiti - Bio

Here is a brief intro and bio from various sources...

Mr. Jack Owiti is a team player, self-initiator with ability to communicate effectively across cultures and enjoy taking on challenges as opportunities for growth and advancement. He holds among other qualifications a Bachelors Degree in Theology -  Deaf Ministry Leadership, Advanced Certificate in Sign Language and Interpretation, an Honorary Diploma in Theology – Chronological Bible Storying for the Deaf and Oral Communicators. He has been involved with the disability movement in Kenya in Special Education especially Deaf Education working with Deaf Opportunity OutReach (DOOR International) training Deaf pastors and planting indigenous Deaf congregations across Kenya; US Peace Corps placing volunteers working in Special Education settings partnering with teachers in the schools of the Deaf, training of Interpreters and mentoring teachers for the Deaf. Recently he has been actively involved with various Deaf related consultancies and trainings. He is a practicing interpreter, a founding member and former president of the Kenya Sign Language Interpreters’ Association (KSLIA) an association working with Sign Language Interpreters in Kenya. He has sat on the GDC/Kenya board and Deaf AID/Kenya advisory board. He has also been involved in community development work for 8 years and recently worked as a Training Assistant with CHF International building capacity of local community and faith based organizations to provide expanded and sustainable health and development programs. Having had this experience of learning and working in the various capacities he has been able to gain a wealth of knowledge about the Kenyan development sector. He has participated in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, developing and maintaining strong productive relationships with development organizations, government ministries, and donor agencies. He has also been involved in designing and delivering technical and organizational capacity building training workshops on education, health (HIV/AIDS), ICTs and enterprise development. -  http://www.myspace.com/owitie 

Jack Owiti

Location - Kenya

Industry - Professional Training & Coaching

Sign Linguist, Scholar, Interpreter and Consultant

http://ke.linkedin.com/in/owitie 

Jack Owiti @Owitie

Translator and Interpreter, Sign Linguistics Scholar, Trainer, Consultant, SocioEnterprenuer - Nairobi, Kenya ·

https://twitter.com/Owitie

With My Own Two Hands

With My Own Two Hands

by ‎Jack Owiti‎ on ‎‎Wednesday, January 6, 2010‎ at ‎2:45pm‎ ·‎

Great inspiration for 2010 as I celebrate a decade using my two hands to serve! 

I can change the world
With my own two hands
Make a better place
With my own two hands
Make a kinder place
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can make peace on earth
With my own two hands
I can clean up the earth
With my own two hands
I can reach out to you
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands

I'm gonna make it a brighter place
I'm gonna make it a safer place
I'm gonna help the human race
With my own

my own two hands

I can hold you
With my own two hands
I can comfort you
With my own two hands
But you got to use
Use your own two hands
Use your own
Use your own two hands

With our own
With our own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands

Title: Ben Harper - With My Own Two Hands lyrics Artist: Ben Harper Lyrics

the Dancing Interpreter 2000 - 2010 the dream lives on - More Fire, More Love!

WASLI REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR AFRICA

WASLI REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR AFRICA

WASLI is pleased to welcome Jack Owiti from Kenya to the WASLI Board as our temporary Regional Representative for Africa. For personal reasons Mr Philemon Akach is not able to continue his duties, but he remains the official representative until WASLI 2011. Mr Owiti has kindly agreed to take on this work and the WASLI Executive Board would like to welcome him on board.

From Jack Owiti:

I would like to express my aspirations for serving as the WASLI Africa Representative. I will use

my skills, experiences and knowledge to improve the status of interpreter training, interpreter

association establishment and strengthening across the continent.

I am willing to learn WASLI's vision for the Africa region, internalise the strategies

recommended by WASLI board in reaching the objectives for the growth of the profession in

Africa. I am aware that the position is voluntary and does not have any financial remuneration

for the work done. I am willing to work with the WASLI board to create a strong network in the

region, share information and knowledge for all member countries and encourage new countries to

join the WASLI family.

I bring to the WASLI board 10 years experience working as an Interpreter in Kenya, experience

setting up a national association for interpreters, developing training curricula for various

interpreting settings and adaptation of the code of ethics. I am delighted to share the above with

my fellow interpreters in the African continent.

I am also aware that the job at hand may require me to work with other interpreters, people from

different cultures, nationalities and backgrounds. I am able to work with, communicate with and

use emerging technologies to connect with all peoples in the region. Over the years I have

developed contacts and professional acquaintances in the interpreting fraternity in Eastern,

Central and Southern Africa. I am hoping to harness these into a viable growth opportunity for

WASLI in Africa.

I am thankful for the consideration for this position. I look forward to serving with the Board of

WASLI, potential WASLI member countries in Africa and the rest of the world.

Email: africa2@wasli.org

Jack interpreting: http://www.wasli.org/files/downloads/67_wasli%20newsletter%202009-05.pdf 

Sign Language Interpreters in Kenya: A Brief Overview

Sign Language Interpreters in Kenya: A Brief Overview
Jack Owiti & Wanjiku Gilchrist
Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters Association
There is a growing number of sign language interpreters in Kenya working with the Deaf
Community but none have received suitable training in the profession as there is no
formal training for sign language interpreters available in Kenya. We will discuss the
interpreter's status & role in Kenya's Deaf community from different perspectives, based
on the model of interpreters i.e. helper, conduit, communication facilitor etc. We will
address the needs that may arise for interpreters when receiving training, specially in
the linguistic aspects.
We will have a look at the development of Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters
Association and the history of sign language interpreting & training in Kenya. Our past
experiences will be discussed, the obstacles we faced, the recognition we fought for etc.
We will discuss the language issues the interpreter will face in Kenya: Swahili and
English are used as national languages, with over 30 tribal languages thrown in.

http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/wocal/schedule/abstracts/3-1-3%20Jack%20Owiti%20&%20Wanjiku%20Gilchrist.pdf

blogged Jack

Here are some blog references about Jack Owiti

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.

by http://deafpride.blogspot.com/

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST 2007

16 FEBRUARY 2007

Jack Owiti's right to reply

Dear Mzee,

my good friend Jack just smsed and emailed me about comments he read on this blog, the issues raised there are not true. He has asked me to let the whole Deaf world know this:

"....I support the initiative that Mzee Bubu has, to create an open space for Deaf Kenyans to vent and to talk about issues troubling them. I do not however support the mudslinging, the personal vendettas and gossip. I would like to inform all that I love my wife and child please do not involve them in Kenyan Deaf politics, gossip and mud slinging. I have NO involvement with the creation, editing or updating of this blog. I appreciate the complement of my IT savvy-ness and I am putting then to productive use and my hands to serving the Deaf Kenyans through Interpreting as the chair of KSLIA..."

that is Jack's message to you to read and make your own judgments. Thanks Mzee Bubu.

Cheers

Concerned Deafie, Nairobi Kenya.

16 FEBRUARY 2007

Jack Owiti's right to reply

Dear Mzee,

my good friend Jack just smsed and emailed me about comments he read on this blog, the issues raised there are not true. He has asked me to let the whole Deaf world know this:

"....I support the initiative that Mzee Bubu has, to create an open space for Deaf Kenyans to vent and to talk about issues troubling them. I do not however support the mudslinging, the personal vendettas and gossip. I would like to inform all that I love my wife and child please do not involve them in Kenyan Deaf politics, gossip and mud slinging. I have NO involvement with the creation, editing or updating of this blog. I appreciate the complement of my IT savvy-ness and I am putting then to productive use and my hands to serving the Deaf Kenyans through Interpreting as the chair of KSLIA..."

that is Jack's message to you to read and make your own judgments. Thanks Mzee Bubu.

Cheers

Concerned Deafie, Nairobi Kenya.

http://deafbride.blogspot.com/2007/09/jack-owiti-has-taken-it-upon-himself-to.html

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2007

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!