Malonje Phiri

My name is Malonje Phiri. I was born hearing but became deaf later in life, at age four. I spent 14 years learning at a special school for the Deaf before proceeding to mainstream schools where I was the lone Deaf student. Despite challenges, I managed to go to university where I obtained an MSc in Inclusive and Special Education at the University of Edinburgh.  Currently am working as a Project Coordinator at the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi (FEDOMA), and I also work as a Program Officer at the Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD). I have spent over 15 years working in the disability community. I use sign language as a primary means of communication.