Kellya Uwiragiye, recently got an award from the First lady for founding ‘Media for Deaf Rwanda’, an initiative that has bridged the communication gap between the people with hearing impairments in Rwanda and the rest of our society and is the brain behind the campaign "Sign Your Name #SUN”. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication from the University of Rwanda, and besides advocating for the people with hearing impairments, she does sign language interpretations at events like conferences and meetings. The 25 year old talked to Sharon Kantengwa about her advocacy programme.

You have been advocating for the deaf for quite some time now. Can you say that you take pride in this journey?

Off course! First of all, I did not expect recognition from Imbuto Foundation and the Ministry of Youth and ICT. It’s an indication that the public appreciates what I am doing and that only pushes me further to do more. It has made an impact on my career and dreams and I feel like a shining star. Well, I have received a number of criticisms, from people during the Sign Your Name campaign who do not understand why I need to advocate for people with hearing impairments when I can speak. It was out of passion to the community and advocate for the minority because I do not want to take my potential for granted. I have the journalism skills and I am determined to make good use out of it to impact society. I am a big dreamer which means that I still have a long journey ahead of me.

Why the deaf?

Having a disability is one issue but being unable to express yourself is double discrimination. It’s like any other disability only that it hinders their ability of expression.  As media for the deaf in Rwanda, we do media inclusion for deaf people. You cannot improve without information about what is happening around and left behind.

Tell us about the Sign Your Name #SUN campaign

The campaign aims at promoting the existence of sign language. The sign your name campaign is meant give us an identity and we are planning to start the next phase in August. The public figures that we used were concerned and were glad to help contribute to the awareness campaign. As part of my dream, I want to see sign language communication on every local TV station and show. I also wish to see deaf people involved in every aspect of development.

So, what are some of the other projects that you are working on?

We managed to shoot and release a short documentary film about sign language, ‘Hear me out’ to showcase the importance of Rwandan sign language. It’s a platform that was done in partnership with Rwanda National Union for the Deaf, a great opportunity to show the existence of Rwandan sign language, and the barriers in communication that the deaf people face. Deafness affects people in many different ways which is why we want people to know what they are going through.  We are also preparing to train deaf youth in media production to enable their inclusion in production so that they can advocate for themselves. We will start with video production to give them journalism skills and include them in media.

What do you feel should be changed to improve the situation?

From my personal experience I feel that it is important that sign language is included in all news broadcasts and TV shows irrespective of the languages. Much as it’s easier to access information through websites, not everybody is financially ready to own gadgets. Television is still the most efficient means of communication. The national constitution caters for the deaf through transfer of messages in public gatherings. I wish to see the law implemented and the deaf catered for so that they are not left out on information accessibility. Sign language should also be brought at the forefront and not ignored, because it’s a language like any other.

What message do you have for the youth?

If you have any idea, don’t stop at dreaming but take a step. Be creative, believe in yourself.