Deaf Samuel's study dreams shattered
Despite significant financial challenges, he remains focused on his goal of bringing positive change to the deaf community in Namibia.Samuel Immanuel, a former member of the Namibia National Association for the Deaf (NNAD) has been an active campaigner for the rights of persons living with hearing impairments in the country since 2015.
For Samuel, his acceptance at the prestigious Gallaudet University in Washington D.C, in the USA was an important milestone in his journey as a campaigner.
The university, a leading institution for the education of students with hearing impairments, prepares "outstanding individuals for a life of meaning, purpose and professional success," according to its website.
However, his biggest obstacle remains financial support, Samuel admits.
"Since 2022, I have been unsuccessful in gaining financial support from government agencies, companies or organisations. Funding to continue my studies is a big challenge since my father died and my mother is unemployed," he says.
Samuel had previously applied for the World Deaf Leadership (WDL) scholarship, but the reference letter provided by NNAD's executive director did not sufficiently highlight his leadership contributions.
In a sign of solidarity, the Directorate for Disability Affairs in the President's Office threw their weight behind him and appealed to local entities to support Samuel on his life's journey.
Equal opportunities
In an official letter, the deputy minister Lucia Manombe-Ncube asks that he be given the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the Namibian nation.
"It is our hope that you will favourably consider our request to tackle the issue of disability over and above basic human rights in an effort to ensure equal opportunities for all residents as required in our Constitution and in the spirit of Harambee," says Manombe-Ncube.
However, Samuel, who is currently unemployed after losing his job at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, remains hopeful.
Due to his lack of finances, he is also unable to become a member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), something which is essential to give him access to resources, training and global support and which his efforts as a campaigner for the deaf in Namibia will give a huge boost.
The university requires all international students to prove they have money available to pay for at least one academic year of tuition, accommodation, books and medical insurance. This amount is approximately N$850 000.
In an official letter to Samuel, the university admits it is "very limited in its opportunities for funding for international students". Employment opportunities for international students are also tightly controlled by US Citizenship and Immigration Services which are also severely restricted.
The university gave Samuel the choice to defer his admission until he received sufficient financial support. "I am determined to continue to fight for the rights of individuals who learn with hearing disabilities. I remain committed to making a difference in my community," he says determinedly.
For more information, the directorate or Samuel can be contacted at [email protected]. - [email protected]