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In Linda’s room in the bustling city of Durban, South Africa, a unique story unfolds. She wakes up with steadfast determination that ignites her spirit. Linda is not an ordinary role model; she is an extraordinary force for change. A DeafKidz Defender Instructor, Linda’s distinction lies in her own journey of silence. Deaf herself, her mission is to empower those often on society’s margins – the deaf children. She is dedicated to transforming the lives of those who need it most, side by side with the DeafKidz International Team. In the heart of Durban, the DeafKidz Defenders program has begun to unfold a new chapter on online child safety.
DeafKidz International gained a significant boost with the launch of the DeafKidz Defenders initiative in December 2022, a project close to Linda’s heart. Developed by DeafKidz International in collaboration with Safe Online, it is an innovative step to shield deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Pakistan and South Africa from online abuse and exploitation. Funded by Safe Online, this pioneering digital platform promises a safe digital future for children with hearing disabilities, particularly those who are entirely deaf, offering them the tools to navigate the vast and often perilous landscape of the internet. Linda, with her unique understanding and experience, works tirelessly to ensure that no child is left behind in the digital age.
“Deaf children do not know and understand our world, as they do not hear and have the opportunity to be informed spontaneously of what is going on around us. They are among the most vulnerable of our societies. Being isolated from their environment also makes them more susceptible to online attention and involvement. They go online, use social media tools to feel connected and heard,” says Debra Clelland, CEO of DeafKidz International.
In a world where technology has woven itself seamlessly into the fabric of our lives, the internet has emerged as a double-edged sword. While it brings knowledge, connection, and opportunity, it also carries the shadow of potential harm, especially for the most vulnerable among us. Children with disabilities are at an elevated risk of violence and abuse, a concern that has now found its match in the form of DeafKidz Defenders. The stark reality that deaf children are three times more likely to experience abuse online than their hearing peers underscores the urgent need for such a program. This alarming statistic is driven by multifaceted challenges, including barriers to communication, limited accessibility to resources, and the absence of comprehensive safeguarding mechanisms in educational settings. However, within these challenges lies an opportunity for change, a chance to equip these children with knowledge and awareness. This is where Safe Online funds have helped DeafKidz International to develop an innovative project targeted to educate and empower deaf children about being safe online.
At the heart of DeafKidz Defenders are educational games that serve as both a shield and a sword. Through captivating gameplay, deaf children embark on a journey of learning and empowerment, gaining insights into the nuances of safety in their lives, including in the digital realm. This platform features child-friendly online animations, designed without written or oral language, explaining crucial safety messages through interactive and visually engaging games. It allows the children to learn to identify risky situations, to discern what’s appropriate or inappropriate across various contexts, and to lay the cornerstone of increased awareness.
Imagine a game where characters, brought to life with vibrant colours and relatable stories, lead players through scenarios mirroring real-life challenges. As the children guide these characters through their digital adventures, they learn to distinguish trustworthy from untrustworthy sources, to recognize when someone is trying to exploit their vulnerabilities, and to respond assertively to protect themselves. These games foster critical thinking, helping children become their own advocates in an increasingly complex world. This program’s impact stretches far beyond mere knowledge. It’s about nurturing resilience, fostering self-advocacy, and creating a generation of young defenders armed with both digital and emotional intelligence. The DeafKidz Defenders are not just acquiring skills to fend off dangers but also gaining the strength to stand tall, to speak up, and to reshape their own narratives.
We are back together with Linda, in the heart of Durban. Linda’s classroom becomes a sanctuary of learning and growth. She plays small drama games with children, showing them possible circumstances of what can be acceptable and friendly, or in which scenarios they should learn to scream, sign ‘no’, run away and share what happened with a trusted adult. As she guides her students through the DeafKidz Defenders program, she isn’t just imparting information; she’s igniting sparks of empowerment. Through her, the children learn not only about online safety but also find in Linda an inspiration of what they can achieve despite obstacles.
As each day dawns in Linda’s teaching sessions, stories of transformation unfold. A once-shy child finds their confidence and starts advocating for their rights. A hesitant learner becomes a confident problem solver. These are the ripples of change that DeafKidz Defenders sends forth, shaping a brighter future for these children and society at large. After the classroom session, it is time to go to the computer room to play the DeafKidz Defenders game. Children run to the classroom to select and guide their DeafKidz Defenders hero.
“Children love it because they can choose and connect with their own characters, who are also deaf. They can style their heroes, choose whether they wear a hearing tool on the ear. This truly makes deaf children feel connected to the game. With each step, children gain stars as they understand and respond in the right way. Gaining a star makes their day! They feel confident and empowered.”
– Linda
The creation of these games exemplifies the inclusive and thoughtful approach of DeafKidz Defenders. Developed from a deaf perspective, these games were intricately crafted with the input of a diverse working group, including child protection officers, deaf teachers, and online digital specialists. This collaborative effort ensures that the games are not only effective in conveying important messages but also resonate with their intended audience. They are characterised by high visual appeal, interactivity, and energy, featuring minimal text and no auditory or atmospheric inputs. Instead, they use body language, gestures, and facial expressions to convey essential information, making them uniquely accessible and engaging for deaf children. This innovative design approach not only serves an educational purpose but also fosters a deep connection with the children, underscoring the program’s commitment to understanding and addressing their specific needs.
Safe Online funding has enabled the pilot programme in Zambia, South Africa and Pakistan to reach 620 children aged 5-17, with 91 percent of them demonstrating increased knowledge about online safety. Teachers also felt better equipped to educate their students, with 98 percent reporting increased confidence in teaching children how to stay safe from abuse. In the broader scope, this program is sowing the seeds of social change. It’s driving conversations about inclusivity, accessibility, and the right of every child to a safe online experience. It’s challenging the status quo, urging educators, policymakers, and parents to rally behind a cause that affects not just a few, but the entire community.
“We love working with the DeafKidz Defenders program in our school,” says Odette Swift, Principal of Fulton School for Deaf Children. “Deaf children are highly visual, they fully soak in what they see. The colourful videos and the excitement of playing a computer game, the experience itself already creates a powerful education tool.” She continues: “DeafKidz Defenders Program not only helps our children to be aware, but it also makes us adults be alert and educated about the possible harm our vulnerable children face – and hence, allows us to together act upon it.”
DeafKidz Defenders not only equips children with vital knowledge but also fosters resilience and self-advocacy, reducing their vulnerability to abuse. This initiative embodies the commitment of organisations like DeafKidz and Safe Online to protect the most vulnerable children online, ensuring they can be DeafKidz Defenders and safeguard their digital worlds. This program is a testament to what happens when innovation, empathy, and determination converge. It’s a story where technology becomes a force for good, where games transform into instruments of education, and where a teacher’s dedication becomes a catalyst for change. The impact extends beyond the borders of South Africa, inspiring the world to take a stand for the most vulnerable among us and to build a safer, more inclusive digital realm for every child, regardless of their abilities.
“I love playing the jumping game and chasing game with my character. I love computers and computer games. Me, I am my own hero and now I am able to share anything I find unsafe and uncomfortable with my teacher, my mother and my brother!”
-Ntando, a 9-year-old student at Fulton School for the Deaf
Ntando signs this with a sense of pride and accomplishment, standing in the green, lush garden of his school. It’s after class, and his friends are playing in the background. Today, he earned a star in the game, a symbol of his growing understanding and confidence in navigating the digital world safely.
Watch Below: Our Work and Impact in South Africa.
Discover how Safe Online’s fund is making a difference in South Africa. Our work focuses on creating a safer digital environment for children, empowering communities with knowledge, and providing resources to combat online abuse and exploitation.
Witness the positive changes and hear firsthand stories from those whose lives have been touched by our efforts.
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Images: © Safe Online/Vincent Tremeau
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