As part of our Safe Online grant, DeafKidz International has successfully concluded three in-person dissemination events held in Zambia, South Africa, and the UK. These gatherings marked an important milestone in our mission to empower deaf children to stay safe, both online and in their everyday lives.
The purpose of each event was not only to mark the conclusion of the most recent rollout of our DeafKidz Defenders programme, but also to share key findings, data, recommendations, and insights gathered from our work across Pakistan, Zambia, and South Africa. By bringing together government officials, educators, safeguarding professionals, and partners, these sessions created a vital space for collaboration, learning, and planning for the future.
Across this phase of the DeafKidz Defenders programme, we have reached 2,025 deaf children, 447 teachers, and 540 parents across three countries and two continents. Through accessible safeguarding education, we’re ensuring that deaf children everywhere have the knowledge, confidence, and tools to protect themselves and seek help when they need it.
Zambia
Our first in-person dissemination event took place in June, in Ndola, Zambia, where we were delighted to be joined by representatives from local government, education, and child protection sectors, as well as a local news crew. Attendees explored the positive impact of the DeafKidz Defenders sessions in schools and discussed how to sustain and scale the programme locally. Learn more about that event here.
South Africa
In August, we travelled to Gauteng, Johannesburg, for our South Africa dissemination event, which brought together officials, teachers, and child protection professionals to discuss the programme’s outcomes and share recommendations for future safeguarding initiatives. The event marked the completion of the latest DeafKidz Defenders rollout in South Africa, generously funded by Safe Online, and offered an opportunity to reflect on how the programme has strengthened local awareness, improved teacher confidence, and empowered deaf children to recognise and report unsafe behaviour. Read more here.
UK
Our final event took place in September at Asia House, London, where partners, supporters, and sector professionals gathered to review the global outcomes of the DeafKidz Defenders programme and explore opportunities for future growth and partnership. Find out more here.
We extend huge thanks to everyone who attended these events and contributed their expertise, insight, and commitment to safeguarding deaf children. This collaboration marks the end of one phase and the beginning of many new opportunities to expand DeafKidz Defenders and continue creating safer, stronger futures for deaf children around the world.
If you want to help DeafKidz International reach more children, please contact: info@deafkidz.org