This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On July 29, 2019, Catherine Ngovi, a deaf Kenyan girl, made history by winning the Miss Deaf Africa title and securing a spot in the Miss Deaf International competition in Russia.
Catherine's journey to the top was not an easy one. Born deaf at just eight months old, she faced numerous challenges, including stigma and lack of access to interpreters in public institutions.
Despite these obstacles, Catherine's parents, Christine and Philip Ngovi, remained supportive and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Catherine's father, a government worker and former athlete, even coached her on how to navigate the challenges of being deaf in a hearing world.
When Catherine was just 10 years old, she began participating in pageants, where she found a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community. Her teachers at Machakos School for the Deaf encouraged her, and she loved the limelight.
However, Catherine's journey was not without its challenges. She faced stigma and exclusion from her peers, and her parents had to fight to ensure she received the support she needed. As Catherine's mother, Christine, said, 'It hurt deeply when people would tell their children to avoid her. I would tell Catherine to leave them alone and just play with her brother.'
Despite these challenges, Catherine persevered and went on to win the Miss Deaf Africa title. Her victory was a testament to her resilience and determination, and it brought hope to the deaf community in Kenya.
