The “Teachers of the Deaf” in Lewisham started this initiative in January 2025.
The initiative aims to create opportunities for deaf children to inspire each other, form connections, and share experiences through a network of young leaders.
The educators were amazed by the number of young individuals who embraced this initiative.
Vivian H, Massamory T, Stefan G, Roshara V, Edmund D, Yaaqub H, Pablo C, Madison M, Issac C, Mason L, Jessica L, Nadia P, and Violet O were all chosen by the Sensory Teacher Team (STT) as “Deaf Champions”.
These young leaders have been actively involved in writing personal letters of encouragement and sharing their stories with younger children.
Mason L from Woodlands School is one particularly remarkable champion.
He is known for his confidence and self-advocacy, and regularly educates others by advocating for his needs within his school community.
Last year, he organised a successful bake sale to raise funds for a deaf charity.
Mason also proudly wears brightly coloured hearing aids with glittery ear moulds, challenging stigma and encouraging other young deaf children to take pride in their identity.
He also connects with peers across the borough via Teams, and is a team member of England Deaf Football.
Another standout figure is the borough’s youngest deaf champion, Edmund D, who is nine years old.
Despite his age, Edmund has made a significant impact by actively supporting his peers through Teams calls and face-to-face encouragement.
He has raised more than £3,000 for the National Deaf Children Society (NDCS) through weekend cycling challenges, and at school, helped create and present a deaf awareness PowerPoint to his class.
He also co-delivered a whole-school assembly alongside his “Teacher of the Deaf”.
The educators plan to expand the initiative in the next academic year.
This will provide more opportunities for young deaf leaders to support others by fostering friendships, enabling shared experiences, and encouraging open conversations about hearing loss and deaf identity.
