Saint Francis Ministries also focuses on empowering Deaf adults (ages 18+) through employment, as well as spiritual and linguistic education, to foster a true understanding of Christ, the Catholic Church, and the Sacraments.

In Uganda, many young Deaf adults face unemployment, lack of education, and are often targets of ridicule and discrimination due to their deafness. Without opportunities, many of them struggle to find stable work, often spending their days and nights on the streets.

In May of 2016, God began molding together a friendship between our founder and young deaf adults in Paidha that started with interpreting Sunday Mass, something they’ve never had before. After Mass, they would gather at a local restaurant where another Deaf woman worked, sharing meals, laughter, and the joy of community.

Since the opening of St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf in 2017, our Deaf adult program has developed in beautiful ways through God’s grace.

In 2018, thanks to the support of many, Saint Francis Ministries was able to send four young adults to secondary school. Six other young adults moved to the village where our primary school is located, where we provided housing as they began working at the school.

While working at the school, these Deaf adults are in close contact with younger students and serve as role models, helping to form a supportive Deaf community that reflects Christ’s eternal love.

Our hope for these Deaf adults is for them to know and understand God’s love and to be received into full communion with the Church. Additionally, we aim to continue providing education and/or employment opportunities according to their individual desires.

During the 2020-2021 pandemic, when schools across Uganda were closed, we continued to provide housing and support to all Deaf adults involved in our program.

As of 2022, we have one student returning to secondary school. Two other secondary students will join two Deaf adults already working at our primary school, and all will attend vocational training through the Ugandan National Association for the Deaf. One student has chosen to focus on starting a family, while four others have decided to continue working and learning at our primary school.