Global Deaf Connection
About Us
Global Deaf Connection (GDC) is a INGO (International Non-Governmental Organization) and a Minnesota 501c3 non-profit based in Minneapolis. We have been established since 1997.
Our Mission
The fundamental goal of GDC is to empower Deaf people living in developing countries, a group often overlooked, to become successful and self-sufficient in their own right. We work closely with the Ministries of Education in the East African Communities to create equal/non-discriminatory education and employment for Deaf youth. We are working in Uganda and Kenya, with programs now being initiated in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Sudan. We also serve in the Caribbean Island area. Our work addresses the United Nation's Millennium Goals that are focused on disabled communities. Please see Global Deaf Connection on YouTube for a look at our work in the Deaf Communities of Kenya. Each of our board of directors are Deaf.
In addition to our global work, GDC serves the local Deaf Community. For example, we provide free computer literacy classes to local Deaf people who are interested in augmenting their computer literacy and communication skills. GDC works with other local Deafness-related organizations to provide adult basic education (ABE) courses to Deaf adults. We also provide input to a program that address needs of Twin Cities Spanish speaking parents of Deaf children.
Why We Need a New Website
First, a new website will help us when we apply for funding. In the age of communicating a mission almost entirely via a website and social networking media, we know that an informative, user-friendly and appealing website is vital in order to fully represent our mission and our work. We wish to have a fully functioning website, i.e., a way to display our recently produced DVD on our work in Uganda, an easy process for donors to contribute to GDC, and a better way to inform the public about GDC's work and availability of service learning opportunities. Additionally, we would like to have a forum where each of our international sites have opportunities to communicate and keep updated on each other's work. Finally, a new website would help us experience our organization as "in the flow," meaning we would be up to date, connected with others doing similar work, and able to communicate all of who we are and what we do.
How Our New Site Will Help Make the World Greener
A new website will help our organization continue to reduce paper usage, while at the same time increase efficiency in "human capitol." Many people can work more efficiently via a website that allows for full capacity interaction, such as the forum mentioned above that would reduce time and resources required to communicate regarding our various international projects.
Messages From Supporters
When the judges choose which non-profits will be selected to participate in this year's Challenge they will take into account testimonials from beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, board members and other
