In 2020, the European Union embarked on a remarkable journey in Eritrea, empowering the deaf community through a transformative two-year project. Its mission: to provide vocational skill training and foster self-help employment opportunities for those with hearing impairments.

Over 200 hearing-impaired men, women and children have become the proud beneficiaries of this initiative. Through the project, they have received comprehensive training in diverse vocational skills, ranging from handcrafts to drawing, painting, embroidery, and sewing.

The project also recognizes the potential of children with hearing disabilities in the world of arts. By nurturing their artistic talents, these young individuals are given the opportunity to grow and develop their skills, enabling them to make a living and support themselves independently.

As the beneficiaries graduate from the program, they take home valuable tools, such as sewing machines, to set up their own businesses. These machines serve as a symbol of empowerment, as they enable the deaf individuals to establish their livelihoods from the comfort of their own homes.

Today, these once marginalized members of society have become self-sufficient entrepreneurs, breaking barriers and surpassing expectations. Their skills and determination have not only transformed their own lives but have also inspired others in the community.

Thanks to the unwavering support of the European Union, the deaf community of Eritrea is embracing a brighter future. Through vocational skill training and self-help employment, these remarkable individuals have found their voices and unlocked their true potential.

This is the story of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of opportunity. The European Union's commitment to inclusivity and support has forever changed the lives of the deaf in Eritrea, uplifting them and paving the way for a future filled with hope and endless possibilities.

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