Community Outreach Program in Africa (COPA)

COPA supports the Rwandan government effort of the Rwanda Sign Language Dictionary Project in collaboration with three local organizations: Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD), Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), and National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).

The involvement of this project creates opportunities for IDEAL to help many local Deaf people in need of support, advocacy, business development opportunities, materials, supplies, and tools such as refrigerators, sewing machines, and leather for shoe making to start their own business . IDEAL offers two types of funds under this program: the General Assistance Fund and the Micro Business Loan (with no interest). During the Summer of 2015, IDEAL helped to start up the Community Outreach Program in Africa (COPA) and held two meetings in Kigali, Rwanda. IDEAL will provide continuous support to the organization. Another primary goal is to bring HIV awareness and other sexual and reproductive health information to the Deaf population in East Africa and beyond.

Please note that your donations serve the greater purpose in our mission to serving the most deserving deaf children and youth globally. IDEAL reserves the rights to use all and each donation on each and all projects in accordance with the organization’s needs and the demand of each projects.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns!