In 2004, education adviser Femia Dulani Mpombwe observed a significant gap in Phalombe District's schools. During her inspections, she often found deaf children sitting alone, copying what others wrote but understanding nothing due to the lack of sign language in the classrooms. Moved by this common sight, Mpombwe decided to take action beyond her job description. She used her personal savings to construct Migowi School for the Deaf, which she donated to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
Since 2005, the Malawian government has deployed and paid teachers at Migowi School for the Deaf. However, Mpombwe has continued to use her own resources and mobilize support to keep the school running for 21 years. Her contributions have mostly covered boarding, food, maintenance, and other necessities for deaf learners from remote areas. Mpombwe handed over the school to the government to make it sustainable, but she continues to support it, ensuring the children do not suffer.
Migowi School for the Deaf provides specialized sign language classes and inclusive pedagogy. The school's boarding facilities accommodate deaf learners from remote villages who would otherwise drop out due to long travels. As a result, these learners are no longer left behind. Some have become star performers, debaters, and promising citizens who understand and seek to be understood.
Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (Macoda) district officer Pius Chilewani praises Mpombwe as a rare champion of inclusive service delivery at the community level. He commends her for creating a safe space for children with special needs and for sustaining an entire system that protects their right to education. Chilewani states that Mpombwe's efforts are extraordinary and selfless.
Mpombwe's initiative personifies Malawi's commitments to persons with disabilities. In 2024, Parliament passed the Persons with Disabilities Act, which domesticates the African Disability Protocol (APD). This act affirms that persons with disabilities have the right to access inclusive, quality education in an environment that guarantees human dignity.
The global Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the importance of "leaving no one behind," requiring governments, individuals, and communities to remove barriers to learning, well-being, and progress for persons with disabilities. Mpombwe's 21-year journey serves as a living example of how individuals can help nations fulfill their legal obligations and guarantee human dignity.
Today, Migowi School for the Deaf continues to thrive, providing a supportive environment for deaf learners to grow and develop. Mpombwe's selfless dedication has inspired a community and demonstrated the impact one person can have on the lives of others. Her story serves as a testament to the power of compassion and commitment to inclusive education.
Key points
- Femia Dulani Mpombwe built and sustained Migowi School for the Deaf for 21 years.
- The school provides specialized sign language classes and inclusive pedagogy.
- Mpombwe's efforts have created a safe space for children with special needs, protecting their right to education.
