Een hoopvolle toekomst
voor dove kinderen in Uganda
Een hoopvolle toekomst voor dove kinderen in Uganda
Signs of Hope was founded in 2018 with the intention of contributing to a hopeful future for deaf children in Uganda. In the Netherlands, there is a foundation with a board and several volunteers. In Uganda, there is a team on the ground carrying out the daily work and maintaining direct contact with the sponsorfamilies. This allows us to see firsthand that the work is progressing and reaching those who need it the most.
Pictured above are five board members, fltr: Rachel, Stefan, Sonja, Bea and Famke
Treasurer – Rachel Matthee:
“Since childhood, God has moved my heart to care for people in poorer continents. With deaf people in my family, I know how successful and normal they are, just like anyone else, when given equal opportunities. That’s why I’m happy to lend a hand in the beautiful work that Signs of Hope does.”
General board member – Stefan Quist:
“”Through my work, I have been to many places around the world, which has made me very aware of our privileged position in the Netherlands. I find it very important to support people who don’t have the same opportunities. I have known Famke for a long time and have followed the work of Signs of Hope from the beginning. In 2025, I joined the board and want to contribute to realizing the important goals of the Foundation.”
Chairperson – Sonja Beetsma:
“In my work as a sign language interpreter, I am involved with deaf Dutch people, and I realize how many opportunities they have here in life. How different is it for the deaf in Uganda! Through Signs of Hope, I try to contribute to the well-being of the deaf in Uganda.”
Secretary – Bea Wildeman:
“I have been visiting Uganda regularly since 2009, and I’ve seen how difficult it is for people with disabilities to find their place in society. When our daughter Famke began advocating for deaf children, I was very grateful. Since the end of 2019, I have been part of the board. I primarily focus on raising awareness about the foundation.”
General board member – Famke (Nakimuli) Wildeman:
“Since the summer of 2016, I have been living and working in Uganda. I started Signs of Hope out of the passion that God has placed in me for deaf children in Uganda. Being fully dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these children makes me grateful. All honor to God.”
At Signs of Hope, we are grateful that many volunteers support our foundation with warm hearts and selflessly dedicate their time and energy. Here are some words from a few of the volunteers who are committed to our foundation.
Volunteer Roelie:
In October 2020, I started painting with watercolors. At one point, the idea came up to create cards from these watercolors and use the proceeds to help establish a school for the deaf in Uganda.
For me, this was actually an answer to my prayers, a way to use my talents in honor of God. For years, I have signed all my creations with R831, a reference to Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” With this message, I hope to give God the glory in everything I do. Ultimately, nothing can be accomplished or successful without His blessing, as the Bible teaches us: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” A very fitting verse in this case.
Volunteer Wampie:
I am greatly drawn to the approach of Signs of Hope because all sources of income are directly and selflessly used for the deaf children in Uganda, enabling them to go to school and later participate in society.
I am very happy to contribute to that!
Volunteer Judith:
Since 2022, I have been managing the social media for Signs of Hope and working on the new website.
In Western countries, people with hearing impairments already face various challenges daily. Let alone in a country like Uganda, where deafness is still not well understood and there is a stigma to break. The children who are able to receive an education and develop thanks to all the support and donations make a world of difference. Through the work of Signs of Hope, lives are literally being changed.
It is a privilege to contribute to this work, which is transforming so many lives!
In Uganda heeft stichting Signs of Hope twee medewerkers, Famke Wildeman (Nederlandse) en Dorothy Ajete (Ugandese). Zij werken als vrijwilligers op een bestaande school met veel dove kinderen en onderhouden contact met de sponsorgezinnen.
“God verheerlijken en liefhebben is mijn hoogste doel in het leven. Door mijn naasten lief te hebben geef ik glorie aan God. Wij weten bij Signs of Hope dat God hoop en een toekomst geeft omdat Hij een doel en een plan heeft voor iedereen. Micha 6:8 inspireert mij om de weg te gaan die God heeft bedoeld. Ik geloof dat ik als kind van God gekozen ben om vrucht te dragen op de plekken waar ik geroepen ben, zoals het ondersteunen van deze kinderen.
Er is een negatieve houding tegenover minderbedeelde groepen in Uganda. Dit komt met name door de culturele achtergronden, het gebrek aan bewustzijn en de beperkte mogelijkheden van mensen. Gelukkig weet ik dat de dove kinderen ondersteund en begeleid worden zodat ze de gaven en talenten die God ze heeft gegeven kunnen ontwikkelen. Zo komen ze tot volle bloei. Daarom voel ik mij bevoorrecht en vereerd om samen met het team de levens van de kinderen te verbeteren. Voor God en voor mijn land.”
Dorothy Ajete
“Sinds 2016 woon ik in Uganda. Daarvoor heb ik vijftien jaar als tolk Gebarentaal in Nederland gewerkt. In Uganda kwam ik al snel in contact met een dove jongen, die acht jaar was en nog niet naar school ging. Daaruit is Signs of Hope ontstaan. Juist voor deze kinderen is school zo belangrijk, want dit is de plek waar zij gebarentaal kunnen leren. Taal is een basisvereiste om je te kunnen ontplooien. In de afgelopen jaren heb ik mogen zien dat onze ondersteuning de levens van de kinderen én hun families positief verandert. Dat geeft mij steeds weer de energie om door te gaan, ook als het soms lastig is door cultuurverschillen. Ik ben God dankbaar dat Hij mij hiervoor heeft geroepen en toegerust.”
Famke Wildeman
“Praising and loving God is my highest purpose in life. By loving my neighbors, I give glory to God. At Signs of Hope, we know that God gives hope and a future because He has a plan and purpose for everyone. Micah 6:8 inspires me to walk the path God has intended for me. I believe that as a child of God, I am chosen to bear fruit where I am called, such as supporting these children.
In Uganda, there is a negative attitude towards disadvantaged groups, mainly due to cultural backgrounds, lack of awareness, and the limited opportunities people have. Fortunately, I know that deaf children are being supported and guided so that they can develop the gifts and talents God has given them. In this way, they can flourish. I feel privileged and honored to work with the team to improve the lives of these children. For God and for my country.”
In Uganda, the Signs of Hope foundation has two team members, Famke Wildeman (Dutch) and Dorothy Ajete (Ugandan). They volunteer at an existing school for many deaf children and maintain contact with the sponsor families.
“I have been living in Uganda since 2016. Prior to that, I worked for fifteen years as a sign language interpreter in the Netherlands. In Uganda, I quickly met an eight-year-old deaf boy who was not attending school. This led to the founding of Signs of Hope. School is so important for these children because it is the place where they can learn sign language. Language is essential for their development. Over the past years, I have seen how our support has positively changed the lives of the children and their families. This gives me the energy to continue, even when cultural differences make things challenging. I am grateful to God for calling and equipping me for this mission.”
We want to contribute to a hopeful future for deaf children in Uganda (Jeremiah 29:11); a future of abundance in all aspects: knowing God, having meaningful relationships, and utilizing opportunities in education, careers, and other areas.
We do this by supporting and improving education for deaf children in Uganda and their (family) network with manpower, knowledge, materials, and finances.
Signs of Hope is a Christian foundation. We believe:
That God created us to live for His glory;
That God calls us to testify of Him (Matt 28:18-20), in word and in deed (Matt. 5:16 and Matt. 25:34-40);
That God asks us to work for justice (Micah 6:8);
That in all things, we are dependent on Him (Prov. 3:5-6).
Read our annual reports here. Over the past years, we have had the privilege of building a solid foundation step by step. You will also find a financial overview in each annual report.
Starting from 2023, an ANBI statement regarding our income and expenses is also available.
Als stichting willen wij graag onze plannen met u delen. Deze vindt u uitgewerkt in het beleidsplan dat u hier kunt inzien.
Stichting Signs of Hope is 15 januari 2018 opgericht. In de bijlage vind u onze statuten en het beloningsbeleid. Daarnaast verwijzen wij u graag naar onze privacyverklaring.