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Priority Areas
DMI Norway has six target areas for which we seek donations.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1454497591490{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-top-color: #eaeaea !important;border-top-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading spacer=”icon_only” spacer_position=”bottom” icon=”Defaults-group” icon_size=”100″ icon_color=”#1e73be”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Workers in our fields
DMI operates in 19 countries and have many local workers. Most are unpaid; some get a little support, while others are fully employed. Wages vary and some earn as little as $ 30 a month. We are constantly working to ensure the livelihood of our workers.
DMI does not receive any government support; our work is solely based on donations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1454497591490{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-top-color: #eaeaea !important;border-top-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading spacer=”icon_only” spacer_position=”bottom” icon=”Defaults-refresh” icon_size=”120″ icon_color=”#1e73be”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Sustainability Fund
At the moment this is DMI’s main target area.
DMI’s work has been made possible through the faithful financial support from donors in Western countries. However, our goal is to make the work in Africa and Asia financially independent and self sustainable and not relying on continued support from rich countries. Local workers must therefore develop income-generating sources.
In 2015 DMI established a “Sustainability Fund.” Churches and schools that develop plans for income-generating projects can apply for financial support from this Fund. Once approved by DMI’s International Board, initial capital for the project will be provided.
Many great projects are already underway and others are being developed or are awaiting approval.
The local administrators may also establish a micro-finance system based on the DMI model where people with ties to DMI receive small private loans so they can carve out a livelihood by starting a small business.
With donations to the Sustainability Fund, you are helping to create a lasting change. You help people become self-sufficient and ensure that schools and churches can support themselves and develop further.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1458088427310{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-top-color: #eaeaea !important;border-top-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading spacer=”icon_only” spacer_position=”bottom” icon=”Defaults-building” icon_size=”135″ icon_color=”#1e73be”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Sponsorship and school support
Among the disabled in developing countries the deaf are probably the most disadvantaged. They often do not receive any education or they receive an education based on the ability to hear. Many poor parents do not want to pay tuition for a deaf child.
Deaf are often seen as worthless. At DMI’s education centres they get a new self-perception, they start believing in themselves and their possibilities. They become someone who could mean a difference to other deaf.
DMI operates several schools in different countries. At these schools the teaching is in sign language, and currently 4- 500 deaf children and youth are receiving an education at various levels. Most of the schools also have dormitories, making education possible for students who live far from school. All schools are funded by donations only.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1458088374197{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-top-color: #eaeaea !important;border-top-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading spacer=”icon_only” spacer_position=”bottom” icon=”Defaults-legal” icon_size=”120″ icon_color=”#1e73be”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1458088350084{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-top-color: #eaeaea !important;}”][vc_column_text]Prisoners in Zambia
3 deaf young men are in Zambia’s strictest guarded prison, convicted of murder. One of them has been in prison since 2006 with a life sentence; the other two were convicted in 2011. They were sentenced to death, but this has been converted into a life sentence. We have good reason to believe that they are all innocent and that this is a miscarriage of justice.
DMI has hired a law firm to pursue their cases. We are considering approaching the country’s president and to work in terms of bringing their cases to the Supreme Court.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1458088404323{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-top-color: #eaeaea !important;border-top-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading spacer=”icon_only” spacer_position=”bottom” icon=”Defaults-pencil” icon_size=”120″ icon_color=”#1e73be”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Davao, Philippines
Here we have a school centre with deaf students from across Mindanao, a large island in the southern Philippines. Education and training is provided for approx 100 children at various levels, and students both live and study in this building.
There is also teaching at secondary level with vocational and skills training programs. At the college level we offer both theology studies for students who want to become pastor in deaf churches and deaf teacher studies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1458088362909{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-top-color: #eaeaea !important;border-top-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][ultimate_heading spacer=”icon_only” spacer_position=”bottom” icon=”Defaults-book” icon_size=”115″ icon_color=”#1e73be”][/ultimate_heading][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]School-fees Fund
In most of the countries where DMI operates, parents must pay school fees. All our workers have low incomes, barely enough for rent and food for the family. Many therefore have difficulties paying for their children’s education. This year DMI established a fund where workers in need can apply for funding for school fees for their children. DMI can only provide help if there is money in this fund.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]