Deaf Heart

Empowering young Deaf adults and strengthening communication between Deaf and hearing communities. Deaf Heart was founded through the vision of Dr. Jana Lackey and, through Sign Language training, Deaf awareness, interpretation support, advocacy, and community engagement, promotes dignity, inclusion, and full participation for Deaf individuals.

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A Deaf Heart Sign Language session, with a participant holding up a family members sign chart
Deaf Heart participants celebrating at a Deaf community awards event
Programme Overview

Dignity, Inclusion, and Full Participation for Deaf Individuals

Deaf Heart is a programme of Love Botswana Outreach Mission with deep roots at Lorato House. Children and staff at Lorato House learn Botswana Sign Language, making daily communication natural and barrier-free, and Deaf Heart participants serve as caregivers and team members across the home.

Learn more about Deaf Heart and Hands of Hope at Love Botswana

Sign Language training and Deaf awareness

Employment and workplace skills for Deaf adults

Interpretation support and advocacy

Community Impact

How Deaf Heart Benefits the Community

From meaningful jobs to everyday communication, Deaf Heart changes what Deaf adults, employers, and families can expect of one another.

A Deaf Heart participant signing outdoors

Meaningful Jobs for Deaf Adults

Deaf Heart trains and employs Deaf caregivers, hospitality staff, grounds workers, and other roles that provide stable income and long-term independence. Employers consistently praise Deaf Heart participants for their reliability and motivation.
A Deaf Heart Sign Language session outdoors, with children seen from behind

Communication through Sign Language

Children and staff at Lorato House learn Botswana Sign Language, making daily communication natural and barrier-free.
The Love Botswana and Lorato House staff team

Strong Employer Partnerships

The programme works with lodges, camps, and local businesses to open job opportunities for Deaf candidates and supports employers with sign-friendly onboarding.
The Deaf Heart logo

Interpretation and Advocacy

Deaf Heart arranges interpreters for health, court, and social work appointments, and advocates for early hearing screening and improved interpreter standards.
A Lorato House team member spinning a basketball for a child in the playground

Life and Workplace Skills

Visual, hands-on training prepares participants for caregiving, food safety, first aid, workplace readiness, and leadership, with many advancing into supervisory roles.

Support Deaf Heart

Your support helps Deaf Heart create jobs, teach Botswana Sign Language, and open doors for Deaf adults across the community.

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