Nancy Nyambura Wagi Maina’s childhood was shaped by challenges others might have seen as setbacks. Frequent illnesses led to labels of fragility, but instead of holding her back, these experiences sparked her desire to help others. Inspired by her father’s acts of kindness and belief in her potential, she embraced a sense of purpose that later defined her.
Throughout her career, Nancy Maina has been dedicated to community empowerment. However, her experience in Indonesia as a business advisor for an organisation supporting people with disabilities shifted her focus. While there, she encountered deaf children whose challenges had a lasting impact on her. Eager to connect with them, she learned sign language and discovered how a lack of language skills profoundly affects their development and opportunities.
Barriers deaf children face in Kenya.
In Kenya, deaf children face considerable challenges. Many cases of hearing loss go undetected due to the absence of newborn hearing screenings, delaying language development. Without early intervention, these children often fall behind in education, miss out on social interactions, and face difficulty integrating into mainstream society. The stigma surrounding disability further isolates them, creating additional obstacles.
The Birth of Lugha Ishara
Determined to make a change, Maina founded Lugha Ishara in 2018. The organisation focuses on the early detection of hearing loss and language development. Partnering with Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, she introduced newborn hearing screening programs and offered support to families managing hearing loss.
Lugha Ishara’s programs are tailored to meet the needs of different age groups. For infants, the Home-Based Comprehensive Care program provides early intervention and guidance for parents. The Hangout Hub for children aged three to six uses interactive activities to help build language skills. Nancy Maina created networks for parents and caregivers to share experiences and offer support to foster community.
Her vision extends beyond medical care. She believes that language development must involve the entire family. Her signature program, Talent Academy, teaches Kenyan Sign Language to deaf and hearing children, fostering inclusion and understanding. These efforts enable families to connect and ensure deaf children are not isolated from their peers.
Since its founding, Lugha Ishara has positively impacted over 400 families across Kenya. In five years, the organisation has also raised over KES 2,500,000 ($19,158.90). With a dedicated team of 11 full and part-time volunteers, many of whom are deaf adults, and 25 consultants, Maina’s initiatives have provided children with access to early screening and timely interventions. These programs allow children to meet developmental milestones and integrate with their hearing peers.
Nancy Maina envisions a future where no child is left behind due to hearing loss. In years to come, Lugha Ishara aims further to enhance language development for deaf children across Kenya. She plans to expand the organisation’s programs throughout East Africa and establish a centre focused on early language learning. Through ongoing research into disability data, she is committed to building an inclusive society where all children, regardless of hearing ability, can thrive.
Through Lugha Ishara, Nancy Maina addresses the core issues that lead to language deprivation among deaf children. Her work ensures these children can find their voices, connect with their families, and access the opportunities they deserve.
