NEW YEAR NEW THINGS

Dear Interp,

Welcome to the New Year 2008, our association activities began in slow motion mode for the better part of the first two months. We were affected by the political crisis of which all of you are aware of and had to cancel the National Forum for all Interps in Kenya.

Things are looking up and we are regaining calm and peace countrywide.

In this newness there are several new things we need to keep in mind.

1. National forum will definately happen in April/May
2. KSLIA quarterly meeting April/May
3. JKUAT is recruiting for a Diploma in Sign Language Course - please see press for details, you can also visit their Waiyaki Way town campus for more details.

Keep reading this postings, we are working on making it more appealing and relevant to your needs.

thanks,

Chairman

Working with Sign Language Interpreters

Here are some guidelines........



Interpreters’ Professional Code of Ethics

A Sign Language Interpreter Will:

1) Maintain Confidentiality
2) Demonstrate Ethical Business practices
a. To be on time
b. To be dependable
c. To dress appropriately
d. To be discrete
e. To be honest
f. To be environmentally – friendly
g. To charge reasonable fees
h. To declare and avoid conflicts of interest

3) Convey the spirit and intent of the message
a. To meet the consumers linguistic needs

4) Maintain respect for the consumer
a. To maintain professional distance
b. To provide advocacy and information

5) Remain impartial
a. Do not give personal opinion during interpreting assignment

6) Continue Professional Development
7) Conform to the Code of Ethics

DRAFT #1
September 3, 2006
Sign Language Interpreting Workshop, Machakos

KSLIA Press Release!

KSLIA Press Release

Celebrating 7 Years of Service to the Deaf Kenyans.

In compliance with the Persons with Disabilities ACT 2003 Kenyan Sign Language Interpreters Association (KSLIA) would like to enlighten the general public of it’s mandate and mission in provision of quality Interpretation services to the Deaf community in Kenya.

KSLIA was registered in 2000 under the Societies Act with the goal of providing quality interpretation services to the Deaf community in Kenya. KSLIA will strive to reach this goal by focusing on the following objectives:
1. KSLIA will maintain a registry of qualified and practicing interpreters in Kenya. KSLIA will continually maintain a high level of professionalism by enforcing the Interpreter code of ethics, continuing education and a license maintenance program for all its membership.
2. KSLIA in collaboration with like-minded stakeholders will establish a research, training, certification and regulatory process for accrediting interpreters in Kenya.
3. KSLIA will strive to form networks and forums for its members to exchange ideas, best practices and mentoring as part of its activities
4. KSLIA will develop information, education and communication materials on issues of Deafness, Sign language, Deaf Education, Deaf Culture and Heritage, establish resource centers for information sharing and dissemination.

Since its formation KSLIA in partnership with local and international organizations has facilitated the training and certification of 20 interpreters in Kenya. KSLIA has drafted and adopted a code of ethics, continues to update its registry of interpreters, organizing interpreter trainings and forging new alliances gearing to reach its goal.

Exciting times lay ahead and the work of KSLIA will now look at working towards the provision of quality interpretation services, providing equal access to information, education, communication and other essential social services to the Kenyan Deaf community.

Chairman, KSLIA.
Date and Signed 7th September 2007

Visit us at www.kslia.blogspot.com Email: kslia_chairman@yahoo.com

KSLIA providing quality professional interpretation service!!

KSLIA the journey - Reflections from the April Interpreters Training

KSLIA the journey - Reflections from the April Interpreters Training

Kenya Sign Language Interpreters Association was set up by a group of 20 local interpreters after a training by the first Deaf Education US Peace Corps Volunteers in September of 2000. Prior to this training there were several short term trainings conducted by KSLRP/KNAD dating back to 1980s and 1990s. Several Interpreters were trained in interpretation theories and code of ethics. These core interpreters from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia later replicated that training to their counterparts and it was hoped that these efforts would result in a stronger force of interpreters. Development in the other countries are hard to trace, however, in Kenya those efforts have been translated into an association. Like many countries in the world, interpreters in Kenya are rarely available, usually seen as('unqualified') due to the fact that most are usually friends to the Deaf, family members or teachers of the Deaf and largely there is a deficiency due to the lack of a training program/certification process.

KSLIA is an indigenous initiative evolving and strengthening the face of the Interpreting profession in Kenya. Kenya has a huge interpreter community that is active and isolated. Many Interpreters are working in various settings all over the country with little or no formal Interpreter training. KSLIA is in the forefront advocating for the establishment and sustaining of training programs all over Kenya. KSLIA hopes to improve and elevate the standards of Interpreting in Kenya through the following objectives:

a)To secure official recognition of interpreting profession by the Government, various service providers and the general public

b)Encourage and promote initiatives in improving the standards of interpreting and interpreter training and pay scale of interpreters depending with their level and skills of interpretation through certification.

c)Cooperation with other recognized bodies concerned in the welfare of the deaf and in provision of S.L Interpreters throughout the world.

d)Awareness creation on Deafness and Interpreting through publication of information materials

e)To collect and raise funds for the achievement of goals and objectives through membership fee, subscription, contribution, gifts or donations, commissions and payments, fund raising whether in money or otherwise from both members and non members.

f)To maintain and administer a registry of Interpreters in Kenya, including certification and license maintenance procedures.

g)Enforce a code of ethics and mediate conflict between the Interpreters and their clients.

KSLIA is working towards the establishment of a training program and a certification process for it's membership.

Global Deaf Connection (GDC), Deaf Aid (KRITD project), and KSLIA have set up the second national workshop for KSL/English interpreters in April 2007. This brought together more than 15 Interpreters from all over the country, the workshop's focus was on "Interpreting: Theory into Practice" this workshop was a follow up to the training held in August 2006 in Machakos. Further to this there is the final phase of the training to be conducted in December 2007. These training have been sponsored by GDC through a USAID grant with additional contributions from Deaf AID and KSLIA.

As a result of these trainings and the training needs assessments and feedback received from participants, there is a great need for a fully fledged training program focusing on all aspects of Interpreting from Language training, actual interpreting, various skills needed to the code of ethics. KSLIA will be in the steering wheel to ensure that the views, needs and aspirations of the Kenyan Interpreters are articulated and addressed by future trainings.

KSLIA envisions its role in a three pronged approach - the three C's - Certification of members, Continuing education for the practicing Interpreters and Conflict resolution through enforcement of the Code of Ethics.

Drafted by KSLIA (C) 2007.

KSLIA meeting of 14th August 2006

Kenya Sign Language Interpreters Association (KSLIA) meeting held on August 14^th 2006 at KSLRP 844 Building UoN.

Present

Washington Akaranga

Leonida Kaula

Mary Njoki

Jack Owiti

Apologies

George Mweri

Eunice Kasisi

Aggrey Akaranga

Agenda

1. Review previous minutes
2. Follow up on action items
3. Issues arising and way forward

AOB

1. Training of Interpreters – KSLRP, GDC/Deaf Aid

The meeting began some minutes after 5:30pm

The meeting noted that the meeting that was to be held on the 12^th of August did not take place due to lack of quorum. The officials present resolved that the next notification of the meeting will be done through email, SMS and phone calls.

The officials looked at the letterhead samples that were presented by Aggrey, there were three main edits that they noted. First is to increase the font to be bigger, change the font colors to match the logo – from black to blue. Thirdly the motto at the bottom of the letterhead was to read “working towards improving the standards and quality of sign language interpretation”.

The officials also looked at the various banking options presented, among the banks – Stan Chart, Barclays, KCB, Equity that were to be investigated – KCB was found to be favorable for the opening of an account for the association. KCB required the association to present a letter of reference, minutes of meetings, constitution, ID copies of officials, passport photos of officials and the opening balance. The officials agreed that they would provide all the documentation and open the account by 16^th of August 2006.

The chair was asked to look into options of signing up the association on yahoo for email purposes. The email will be used to communicate association related communication like membership, meetings, and urgent issues regarding the life of the association.

Leonida will research the possibilities of creating a registration form for the membership. This will help the association keep track of who is a member, keep membership records. She also suggested that the association make a contract for engaging interpreter and client, this will enable the association enforce ethics and adherence to the contract terms.

Njoki reminded the officials that the association needs to start thinking of fundraising for future events like training, recruitment, projects and development. All members were asked to research possible funding mechanisms available and the possibilities of using them.

AOB

Washington informed the meeting that the Youth Ministry is looking for 6 KSL Interpreters for their forum/meeting at the end of September. KSLIA would propose names to Washington for forwarding to the Youth Ministry for consideration.

With no other business the meeting adjourned with the next meeting fixed for the 23^rd September 2006.

With no other business the meeting adjourned at 1pm.

Chair: _________________________ Signature: ____________________ Date:______________

Secretary: _________________________ Signature: ____________________ Date:______________

KSLIA Minutes 5th July 2006

Kenya Sign Language Interpreters (KSLIA) meeting held on 5^th July 2006 at KSLRP 844 Building UoN.

Present

David Agondoa

Washington Akaranga

Akitsa Aggrey

Mary Njoki

David Lokorcholia

Simon Angira

Elizabeth Shiakamiri

Jane Muthoni

Miriam Eseme

Amos Wanyoike

Leonida Kaula

Lucy Atieno

Jefwa Mweri

Robert Mwirigi

Gathakari Judy

Mary Nzioka

Pricilla Mwangi

Anne Mwenesi

Jack Owiti

Christine Ondicho

Bedan Parimisa

Kariuki Catherine

Adhiambo Vickie

Apologies

Raphael Mbalo

Mercy Ngugi

Agenda

1. Report from Present office/Officials
2. WASLI
3. Issues arising and way forward
4. KSLIA – membership, officials, election of officials elections of regional representatives

AOB

1. Training of Interpreters
2. Interpreter remunerations

The meeting began some minutes after 10am.

The meeting began by the current officials giving an update of activities and progress since the registration of the association. It was noted by all present that since the elections in September of 2000 no major activities have taken place except the involvement of members in various forums and activities.

The current office bearers as the registrar’s records are as follows:-

1. Chair – Jack Owiti
2. Secretary – Mary Njoki
3. Treasurer – Eunice Kasisi

These officials were elected to facilitate the formation and registration of an association for interpreters in Kenya. Since the registration there has been no major presence of the association. All present agreed to revive the association and move the agenda and objectives of the association for the interpreters’ profession to be recognized, visible and active in the Kenyan market. There are numerous issues affecting interpreters in Kenya and there is need for unity among the interpreters, vision and direction for the future of the profession in Kenya.

George Mweri attended the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) conference. The conference was held in South Africa in September 2005. The conference’s aim was to come up with a worldwide body for Sign Language Interpreters. His participation was as follows:-

1. He was sponsored by the Finish Sign Language Interpreters Association
2. He presented a country report on the KSLIA,
3. Gained contacts from other associations

He reported that in that conference there was an election although no representative was elected for Africa. The conference discussed several issues affecting interpreters in Africa and the rest of the world. He has literature and other resources from the conference, which he has made available to the association offices. He also reported that since the conference Philemon Akatch is the vice chair of WASLI. Akatch is discussing the possibilities of having an African SLIA.

Issues arising – due to the low profile of the association many organizations do not know or recognize the interpreters body. Members present raised concerns about mushrooming of organizations purporting to train, certify and advocate for Kenyan interpreters without involving Kenyan interpreters. Such organization is Deaf AID which is working with KSDC hoping to train and certify interpreters – the members were shown a white paper proposal detailing the agenda of Deaf AID. Members resolved to have the Association write a letter to Deaf AID, the introduction letter will details our objectives and presence. George, Washington together with the Officials to schedule a meeting with Deaf AID. The meeting with Deaf AID was proposed tentatively to be on the 5^th of August depending on their availability.

Members also mandated the officials to write letters to other organizations and government offices introducing the association and explaining our objectives and mandate. The organizations to be addressed include but are not limited to:-

UoN

Maseno University

KU

Machakos TTC

Kamagambo TTC

UDPK

KISE

KIE

UNDP

APDK

HI

CHESIRE International

KNAD

Liverpool VCT

WASLI

RID USA

GDC

KSDC

KNAD Branches

Deaf Churches in Kenya

Head of Civil Services

Social Services

Etc

On KSLIA membership it was reiterated that as the by laws states membership is open to practicing interpreters, sign language students and any other interested individuals or organizations. The membership fee is Ksh. 1000, members resolved to look at redefining the criteria for membership and reviewing the current by laws to be clear and concise. On KSLIA office bearers the meeting resolved that the current office bearers remain the same as follows:-

1. Chair – Jack Owiti
2. Secretary – Mary Njoki
3. Treasurer – Eunice Kasisi

The meeting also resolved that regional representatives be elected to provide contact persons and representation of the regions. The regional representatives were proposed and elected as follows

1. Western Region – Simon Angira
2. Central Region – David Agondwa
3. Coast Region – Elizabeth Mwamburi
4. Nairobi Region – Victoria Adhiambo
5. Jefwa Mweri – spokesperson for the association

The new officials were mandated to act on behalf of the association and given the necessary power and autonomy to advance the course of the association. Among the urgent issues to be embarked on by the office bearers include the following: -

1. Circulate the minutes and other communications from the association
2. Follow up on the critical issues agreed upon as action points
3. Write introductory letters to all organizations working with or are associated with the Deaf Community and Interpreters.
4. George and Jack will be following up with WASLI on collaboration issues
5. Aggrey, Washington, David, Njoki and Jack to look at logo and letterhead samples
6. Aggrey and the main officials will research banking options for the associations bank account. The members present resolved that once a suitable bank has been identified the officials are hereby given the mandate to open the bank account and report on the status by the next meeting.
7. Officials will also formalize the relationship with KSLRP and the use of KSLRP facilities including offices, postal address and resource center.
8. Officials will make payments for printing letterhead, registration of the logo, printing the receipt books, making stamp and purchase of stationary – files, papers etc
9. Update records at the registrar’s office, register logo and colors, letter head etc
10. Drafting, updating the TOR and professional ethics of Kenyan Interpreters.

AOB

Members asked the association to be proactive on notifying it’s members of the current trends, training and conference opportunities.

KSLRP will be organizing lectures on the responsibilities of the interpreters and the dates and venue will be communicated.

Members raised concerns about the variations and discrepancies on the remunerations of packages offered to interpreters for taking assignments. After long deliberations members agreed that the minimum rate per day for interpretation services will be Ksh. 2500. This rate applies to professional services and it is the minimum.

Due to the wanting financial situation of the association members contributed a total of Ksh. 2100 to be used for opening bank account, printing letterheads, etc George and Angira paid their membership fees Ksh. 1000 each. Members resolved to pay up their membership by the end of July.

With no other business the meeting adjourned with the next meeting fixed for the 12^th of August 2006.

With no other business the meeting adjourned at 1pm.

Chair: _________________________ Signature: ____________________ Date:______________

Secretary: _________________________ Signature: ____________________ Date:______________