MNI Stories

Power of Empowerment

Empowering deaf women in Africa – what happens?

Image of a flow chart entitled "How A Law is Passed". The left side of the flow chart shows how a bill passes through the Philippines House of Representatives, the right side shows how the same bill passes through the Philippines Senate. In both the House and the Senate, a Representative or Senator writes and files a bill, which is then assigned a number starting with HB (for the House version of the bill) or SB (for the Senate version of the bill). Next, different versions of the bill are written by different Representatives or Senators, and the first "Reading" of the bill is held in the House and in the Senate. Then the House version of the bill is assigned to a House of Representatives Committee while the Senate version of the bill is assigned to a Senate Committee. Next, each Committee calls a Public Hearing. The bill goes to a Technical Working Group (TWG) in the House and in the Senate. Then a second Reading is held and the House Committee and the Senate Committee each approve their version of the bill. Then there is a third Reading and Plenary Debate of each version of the bill. If the bill is approved in both the House and the Senate, then the two versions of the bill are brought together in the Conference Committee so that the Committee can merge the House and Senate versions of the bill. Finally, the President can sign the bill into law. To the left of the flow chart is a note that says "Approved and passed HB 7503". To the right side of the flow chart, there is a photograph of a group of people with excited facial expressions. Also to the right of the flow chart are two notes, one saying "SB1455 approved in the TWG level" and the other note saying "2nd Reading Passed" (in reference to the Senate version of the bill). Below the flow chart is another message that says, "The lobbying and advocacy is not yet but we are one step CLOSER! The Philippine Federation of the Deaf needs your support. #SaveOurFilipinoSignLanguage"

Passing the Filipino Sign Language Act

The president of the Philippines Federation of the Deaf explains the process for passing the Filipino Sign Language Act.

What a volunteer should not do

Watch a former President tell about his experience working with a volunteer that ended in a conflict.

Screen shot from video clip in which Norma Moran explains her experience as a young volunteer in Kenya

Young Volunteer in Kenya: Norma Morán’s experience

Sometimes experienced professionals don’t want younger people’s ideas. Norma Morán explains her experience as a young volunteer in Kenya.

Lesson learned? Ask people want they want and need. Imagine how excited your home community will be knowing that they are collecting goods which will be appreciated and used to make a real difference in people’s lives. Don’t send “Nana gifts.” Ask first.

Sign showing Ghana National Association of the Deaf with Sarah standing in front

Showcase: GNAD

Sarah visited Ghana last year & worked with GNAD Youth. Watch the video to learn more!

Screen shot from a video in which Broad Street Media interviews Lionel Smith

Lionel Smith Interview by Broad Street Media in Barbados

Watch an interview with Lionel Smith, who was president of the New Life Deaf Club in Barbados from 2013 to 2018. Shows history of the club.

A large group of people are seated around a long conference table. Most are looking toward the camera. Some are smiling and waving.

MNI Working with CHAVITA, Tanzania Assn of the Deaf, in Eastern Africa

MNI works with CHAVITA, the Tanzania Association of the Deaf. CHAVITA is training Deaf people in advocating with local government.

Certified Deaf Interpreter story: June

Did you know that, in some countries, Deaf people can work as interpreters? Watch this Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) story by a Deaf woman, June.

A group of about 15 people in school uniforms crowd together. Most are standing, one person crouches in front.

Establishing a Deaf School in Ethiopia: How it Was Done

First, his Deaf Center taught sign language to deaf people. Next, the government established a deaf school. Read how it was done.

Fostering local sign language and leadership

Expert international volunteer worker Kirk Van Gilder talks about the importance of fostering local sign language and leadership rather than imposing your own sign language.

Latina Woman in Kenya

What does it mean to be a proud Latina woman in Kenya–a country that does not recognize your identity? Watch Norma Moran’s story.