How did we come into existence?
In 1997, Matthew Adedeji, a Deaf missionary from Nigeria, arrived on Christmas Day in Fiji Islands with his family. He worked largely with the Deaf people in Fiji for 3 years before moving to the UK. He travelled extensively and toured some Islands in the Pacific. Soon, another Nigerian, Wale Alade, also Deaf, and his family soon came to join the growing work among the Deaf. The two were involved in Evangelical and Education ministry till late in December 2003.
Their work in Fiji had impact. They both raised awareness and worked to establish the first school for the Deaf in Fiji with students coming from some of the Islands in the Pacific. They both strongly felt the need for an effective, leadership oriented community of Deaf people in the Pacific Island and are passionate about education as the key to the building of Deaf leaders. Their view primarily was for the Deaf to be treated equally and to have the same access to education as other members of the community.
Convinced that over 20,000 Deaf people living in these Islands could do with the help and support of well informed Deaf people, they teamed up with others to found the Deaf Pacific. Since their voluntary movement to the UK, they have been working with others to generate support for Deaf children and their families in Fiji and other Pacific Islands.
What are our current activities?
At the moment, our focus is on Fiji Islands. We are working with the Gospel School for the Deaf and have been very successful working to raise the profile of the school and generating supports for its local staff and students.
There is over 10 staff at this school with fantastic skills working with Deaf children. They also provide wonderful supports to Deaf adult within the community. They provide awareness and information on Deafness, interpreting in religious and social functions.
They also actively work with other NGO and government department in facilitating support for Deaf children and young people.
