WCARS Fosters Strong Target Deaf Associations in the Ivory Coast

Introduction

The Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD), through its West African Community for the Deaf (WCARS) project, has made significant strides in enhancing the capacity of deaf associations in the region. In April 2024, WCARS hosted a gathering of four Target Deaf Associations (TDAs) in the Ivory Coast to facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and strategic planning.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

The primary objectives of the staff training were to:
– Reflect on the achievements of the first year through country reports
– Identify areas for improvement
– Finalize the development of organizational development and gender equality strategies
– Draft a roadmap for the coming years
– Propose desired outcomes for project areas

The training aimed to equip project staff with the tools and knowledge necessary to revise project documents, track achievements, and develop plans.

Key Issues Discussed

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on critical topics, including:
– Organizational development strategies of the various TDAs
– Gender equality strategies of the various TDAs
– Action plans for the next six months
– Advocacy strategic plans for the next six months
– Overview of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
– Strategies for the recognition and promotion of sign language

Organizational Development and Gender Equality

The TDAs presented their detailed organizational development and gender equality strategies, sharing their concerns and proposed approaches. While the strategies were finalized and awaiting validation from three TDAs, Niger was still in the process of completing its octagonal analysis. The sessions were led by WCARS Project Coordinator Felix Dare, with assistance from GNAD’s Program Manager, Stef Linder.

Action Plans and Advocacy

The project coordinator guided participants in developing action plans for the next six months, focusing on organizational development. The CPOs were coached in creating simple logic frameworks to guide their activities.

GNAD’s Executive Director presented advocacy strategies, emphasizing employment, education, and sign language. The presentation highlighted the need for advocacy in raising awareness of employment challenges, promoting equitable access to decent employment, adapting working environments, combating discrimination, and ensuring access to quality education for deaf people.

Sign Language and Recognition

Ms. Janne Boye Niemela, a Board Member of DDL, presented on sign language, emphasizing its importance as outlined in the UNCRPD. She also discussed strategies for applying for the recognition of sign language at national and international levels.

Participants

The staff training was attended by key representatives from the participating TDAs, including:
– Ms. Janne Boye Niemela, Board Member, DDL
– Ms. Stephanie Nicole Linder, Program Manager, DDL
– Mr. Juventus Duorinaah, Executive Director, GNAD
– Mr. Felix Dare, Project Coordinator, GNAD
– CPO Maiga Rokiatou Abdoul, AMASOURDS
– CPO Kossivi Abla Hanou, AST
– CPO Hassane Zakou Abdou, ASN
– CPO Ouattara Yegueleworo, ANASOCI

Conclusion

The WCARS-organized training in Ivory Coast was a resounding success, providing valuable insights and capacity-building opportunities for the participating TDAs. By focusing on strategic planning, advocacy, and organizational development, the training has strengthened the ability of these associations to effectively advocate for the rights of deaf individuals in their respective countries.