Deaf in Angola

Introduction / History

In many situations, Deaf people are viewed as disability groups, but a more accurate approach is to consider them as distinct people groups. They have their own unique languages, sign languages. Many Deaf people value their language and culture so much that if given the chance to become hearing, they would refuse.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The typical life of a Deaf person in Angola is hard. Living expenses - food, housing, transportation, etc. - in Angola are very expensive, and most Deaf can't find jobs.

Another struggle the Angola Deaf face is the lack of access to technology. Data-enabled phones are very expensive, so most of the Deaf can't afford them. Most of their phones are over 10 years old. This means they can't communicate with their community like the Deaf in other countries. They don't have great access to video chatting, and that means video in general.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are only 3 or 4 Deaf friendly churches in Angola. They have hearing pastors with interpreters. However, none of them are found in the capital, so their reach is limited. About 20-25 people go to these services. If the people in the capital want a religious experience, they either have to go to an un-interpreted service (that their parents go to) and not understand anything or go to a Jehovah's Witness gathering that does have an interpreter.

What Are Their Needs?

Deaf education is found wanting in Angola. The capital city has a few schools, but once you leave the city, the quality of education goes way down. The next largest city in Angola is actually quite small, and the Deaf school there suffers from that.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Deaf in Angola to have an abundance of opportunities to hear and respond to the gospel.
Pray for the Lord to give the Deaf in Angola a spiritual hunger that will drive them to the cross.
Pray for more Deaf ministry workers to be sent into Angolan villages.

Text Source:   Joshua Project