OUR STORY
A Profound Calling
SpeakingFingers was born from a pivotal moment., I met a Deaf young woman whose HIV test result came out positive. In that moment, as a Life Skills Professional understood that capacity—especially assertive communication skills—was a fundamental tool young people like her need to live healthy, productive lives. Though I didn’t know how to sign a single word, I made a commitment to learn so I could reach many other Deaf adolescents and youths like her. It was this singular purpose that drove us to launch the SpeakingFingers LifeWorkReady Program, pioneer the first UN International Day of Sign Languages in 2018 and has guided all our relevant interventions and partnerships since.
OUR MISSION
Our Community: Global Champions-In-Training
Our beneficiaries and community members are the heart of our work. Under the umbrella of Global Champions-In-Training, we proudly serve:
Deaf Ambassadors
Adolescents and youths who are the direct beneficiaries of our programs.
CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults)
Young people who play a crucial role as the bridge between the Deaf and hearing worlds.
Hearing Allies
Individuals from our SpeakingFingers SignLearn Hubs who are committed to learning and advocating for sign language.
ProudFamily
The families and caregivers who are learning to communicate with their Deaf loved ones.
ProudSponsors/Champions
Our partners who believe in our mission and provide the resources to sustain our work.
Learning Mentors
A dedicated passionate community of professionals as sign language interpreters, experts in human capital development, and passionate volunteers who generously support our mission with their specialized skills. They are an essential part of our ecosystem, fostering a more inclusive and understanding world, one sign at a time.
Our Impact is across
SpeakingFingers LifeWorkReady Program
A comprehensive program designed to equip young people with the skills they need for a productive and fulfilling adulthood.
Deaf Teens Summer DTSCamp/DTSMeet
An intensive program for Deaf youth focused on life skills, vocational training and tech skills to build a foundation for their future.
ProudFamily Enrichment Dialogue
A support network and training series for parents and family members, empowering them with the resources to communicate with their Deaf children from the comfort of their homes.
SignLearn Hubs
Schools/ Community-based learning centers that provide accessible sign language education and resources for all.
The King's Guest Picnic Hangout
An annual social interaction platform for Deaf and hearing adolescents and youth, fully sponsored by the SpeakingFingers Lead, Champion Kabiyesi Oba Dr. Olukunmi Olusesan Akingbola Ikudoro 1 of OregunLand
Relevant UN Commemorations
Strategic events held to amplify global awareness and advocate for the rights of the Deaf community.
Community Safe Spaces
Creating secure and inclusive environments where Deaf individuals can express themselves freely and build strong bonds, including discussions on Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
Partnerships, Collaboration and Consultancy
Working with organizations and government bodies to provide expert guidance and support for their disability inclusion initiatives.
Our Thematic Focus
Human Capital Development and Capacity Building:
Disability, Sign language, SDGs Sensitisation, Mainstreaming:
– Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Policy Advocacy, Community and Stakeholders Engagement:
– Driving policy changes and social action for inclusivity
Fund Raising and Resource Mobilization:
Training, Research and Reporting:
– Conducting research to understand community needs
– Reporting on impact for accountability and growth