The work of Rugby charity DeafKidz International was praised in the House of Commons last week by local MP Mark Pawsey and the Secretary of State for International Development, the Rt. Hon. Penny Mordaunt MP.
DeafKidz International works in developing nations around the world to promote the rights and welfare of deaf children. The charity works with Child Rights and Child Protection specialists both in the UK and abroad to ensure that Deaf children are protected from physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect. Their work in Jamaica, South Africa and Rwanda has shown that abuse and exploitation of Deaf children – especially Deaf girls and young women – is endemic.
Mark joined Steve Crump, the Executive Director and Founder of DeafKidz International, in Parliament earlier this year to find out more about their use of Video Relay technology to ensure all deaf children have access to the counselling support they require, in their choice of communication method. This is already transforming lives in developing nations and DeafKidz International is hoping that the programme will be able to be rolled out more widely in the coming months.
During questions to Ministers in the Department for International Development, Mark highlighted their work with the Secretary of State for International Development. In her response, the Secretary of State praised the charity’s work and spoke about the 46,000 girls with disabilities who have been supported into education through the Girl’s Education Challenge which DFID has run since 2013.
Speaking after raising the work of DeafKidz International in the House of Commons, Mark said:
“Rugby is home to some inspirational charities and I was very pleased to be able to draw the attention of the House of Commons to the work of DeafKidz International. They are doing incredible work to help some of the most vulnerable children. An important part of their project is raising awareness of the exploitation and abuse which deaf children can face because they lack the communication and language skills to stand up for themselves.”
Mark continued:
“I have seen first-hand the incredible contribution that British charities, such as DeafKidz International, and the support of UK taxpayers makes throughout the world. We can all be proud of the role that Britain plays on the world stage in encouraging investment and support for developing nations, and in particular our targeted help for the most vulnerable throughout the world.”
Steve Crump, Founder and Executive Director of DeafKidz International, added:
“Mark Pawsey’s support of DeafKidz International is second to none. Through his support and counsel we’ve been able to secure funding for the development of child protection capabilities in a number of settings; all of which enables us to respond to the stigma and discrimination this group face. Engaged, informed and critical, Mark has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that Deaf children are able to live safely and without fear.”