This Deaf Awareness Month, Atlas is proud to announce an inspiring new initiative in Cape Town. In partnership with the Dominican Deaf School and Villager RFC, we’ve launched a programme that coaches young deaf boys and girls twice a week – helping them build skills, confidence, and friendships that transcend barriers.
The Villager Program
Currently, 50 young deaf girls and boys are enrolled in this year-round programme, receiving exceptional and inspiring coaching from Villager RFC and Girl Power. Their biggest wish is to engage with young hearing children, and what better way than through the power of rugby. Our Atlas children from other communities are learning to sign and communicate with their new teammates. It’s a two-way exchange where everyone learns from one another.
Deaf Awareness Month
This September marks International Deaf Awareness Month. A time to highlight the communication needs and unique identity of deaf and hard-of-hearing people worldwide.
The World Federation of the Deaf has chosen the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” for this year. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of access, inclusion, and respect for sign language.
Launching our Villager Program during this month highlights our shared values and the transformative power of rugby as a bridge between communities. Each session is breaking down barriers, creating connections, and ensuring that young deaf people experience the same opportunities.
Deaf Rugby is a place where they can be themselves and express themselves on the field. They come from a very difficult environment struggling in the classroom, dealing with the silence in their heads. Their time on the field, gives them a voice, and the excitement of being accepted and appreciated and knowing that they are experiencing and doing what the hearing community is doing, because they are getting special treatment from the Atlas Foundation!
A Transformational Impact
The results have been immediate and uplifting. Teachers report that the children return from the field calmer, more focused, and better able to engage in the classroom. On the field, they’re free of limitations – laughing, learning, and playing with boundless energy alongside their coaches and sign interpreters.
For these youngsters who are living in the school hostel during term time, these twice-weekly sessions are a highlight of their week. Watching them overcome challenges with such joy and gratitude is humbling and unforgettable.
How You Can Help
This program thrives because of our supporters. If you would like to ensure that Atlas continues this exceptional project, please contact sue@theatlascharity.org. Your financial support will help us keep empowering these remarkable young people.
