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Rodgers Swahili

Community Changemaker | Kenyan Sign Language Trainer | Web Developer | YALI Regional Leadership Center - EA Alumni 2024 (Cohort 55 - Civic Leadership) | Mandela Washington Fellow 2025 - Drexel University.

Rodgers Swahili's name is etched in the hearts of many as a tireless advocate for Deaf-centered inclusive education and community empowerment.

With the help of his friendsHe founded 21^st Deaf Programme, which is now transitioning to Ubuntu Deaf Vanguard. His work bridges barriers and fosters unity amongst the Deaf and hearing world.
He is also the visionary behind Paradise Inclusive Community Academy (PIC Academy), a sanctuary of hope and education for Deaf community.

He is a Web Designer & Developer, Network Associate, a Kenyan Sign Language Trainer, among others.
He is a YALI Regional Leadership Center Alumnus (Cohort 55, Civic Leadership 2024) and a Mandela Washington Fellow (Alumnus) 2025 (Leadership in Civic Engagements) - Drexel University.

Beneath all these accolades lies a journey marked by profound challenges, unwavering faith, and boundless perseverance.

Humble Beginnings

Rodgers' story begins in the serene hills of Sabatia, Vihiga County, Western Kenya. Born into a family of ten children, he is the 9th born, raised under the modest care of his father, Moses Swahili Mukuzi. His grandfather was Enock Mukuzi.
Life was tough, and Rodgers was a curious and bright child, often lost in his books. Yet, he was shy, reserved, and somewhat fearful—qualities that belied the immense strength he would later discover within himself.

At the tender age of eight, Rodgers' life took an unforeseen turn. During the August holidays, he fell gravely ill. A misdiagnosis of malaria led to his being treated with quinine, a drug unsuitable for children. The consequences were catastrophic — Rodgers slipped into a coma, and when he awoke, the vibrant world of sound had faded away. His hearing was gone, and he was thrust into a silent world that felt isolating and uncertain.

<54>The Struggles of Silence Rodgers struggled to find his place in this new reality. He wandered, seeking solace in the homes of relatives, feeling like a lost sheep without direction. Yet, even in his darkest moments, rays of hope pierced through. His cousin, Reverend John Asembeka, took him in and became a guiding light in Rodgers' life. Living with the reverend for two years, Rodgers found not only shelter but also a newfound faith.

Through a Kiswahili booklet titled "Maisha Mapya Kwako, Biblia Hakika Inafundisha," Rodgers discovered the transformative power of spirituality. He learned to connect with people despite his Deafness and began reading the Kiswahili Bible, finding comfort and strength in its words. This period also instilled in him a sense of discipline and the importance of personal hygiene — lessons that would carry him forward.

A Return to Education

Rodgers' education had been interrupted for nine long years, but hope was rekindled in 2011 when his cousin, Henry M. Aluvale, decided to change the trajectory of his life. In April 2012, Rodgers was enrolled at Chekombero Special School for the Deaf. The classroom became his sanctuary, a place where he rediscovered his love for learning and his boundless potential.

From there, he advanced to Murang'a School for the Deaf in 2015. The school became a crucible for his growth, and his determination shone brightly. He studied diligently, excelling in his subjects, and in 2018, he sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). For Rodgers, this was more than an academic milestone—it was a testament to his resilience and the power of second chances.

The Harsh Realities of Life After School

Upon completing high school, Rodgers faced a daunting challenge. His dream of pursuing higher education was dashed by financial constraints. His mother, a casual worker in Kibera Slum, could not afford the fees, and Rodgers found himself at a crossroads. With no sponsors or resources, he questioned the system that left so many Deaf individuals marginalized:
"How many Deaf people out there lack education and opportunities like me? Is anyone out there who truly cares?"

These questions ignited a fire within him—a resolve to be the change he wished to see. Rodgers decided that if the world lacked good people, he would strive to be one.

Birth of a Vision

In 2020, after completing life and business skills training under the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP), Rodgers embarked on a bold mission. Encouraged by a youth officer, he founded the 21^st Deaf Programme, an organization dedicated to empowering the Deaf community through education, advocacy, and inclusivity.
The organization faced challenges, but Rodgers’ unwavering faith and sacrifice kept it afloat. Guided by a servant-leadership philosophy, he built a team united by a shared vision: To create a world where equity transcends barriers of social class, gender, disability, and education.

A Leader and an Innovator

Rodgers is a man of many talents, and his entrepreneurial spirit shines through his side hustles. Whether farming, construction work, roadside mandazi sales, or website design and development, he embodies adaptability and resourcefulness. His passion for coding and technology reflects his innovative approach to problem-solving, making him a true changemaker.

A Dream for the Future

Rodgers dreams of a future that is equal and inclusive—a world where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. He envisions a society where education bridges divides, where awareness fosters understanding, and where every voice is heard.

Today, Rodgers stands as a living testament to the transformative power of resilience, faith, and vision.
His journey reminds us that adversity is not the end—it is often the beginning of something extraordinary. Through his work with the 21st Deaf Programme, Rodgers continues to inspire, uplift, and empower, proving that one person’s dedication can indeed change the world.

Rodgers Swahili’s story is not just one of overcoming challenges; it is a narrative of hope, courage, and the relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow. His legacy is a beacon for those who dare to dream, even in the face of silence.

Ubuntu Deaf Vanguard, formely 21st Deaf Programme is a Community-Driven, Non-Profit National Public Benefit Organization (PBO), that was founded by the Deaf youth who had interests to serve the Deaf Community.

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Epren Center, Buruburu, Nairobi, Kenya

mailus@dubuntudv.org

+254 743 834 401

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