2. ASHURA MICHAELPROFILE
Growing in Nairobi, Kenya without parents is hard,
but I had to find my way and work hard to get
where I am. Oh yeah, I became deaf at the age of
six and this didn’t make it any easier. Well, as we
speak, I am a Law Diploma holder from Inoorero
University and currently winding up my studies in
Gender and development at the University of Nai-
robi (UoN).
Having such experiences, I have always felt, from
an early age, the need to engage with the minority
groups in society, the need to speak out for the op-
pressed, the urge to fight for those who can’t fight
and represent not only the disabled in Kenya but
my entire country.
INTRODUCTION STATEMENT FROM ASHURA
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast
a stone across the water to create many ripples.”
- Mother Teresa
3. ASHURA MICHAEL PROFILE
Through various avenues available
to me, I have raised a voice for the
disabled and our women and, yes,
people have turned and started en-
gaging us on various issues affect-
ing this group in society.
Well, this is just a short introduction
to me but feel free to look at my
person profile…
Core drive: Promoting and pro-
tecting human rights of the Deaf
people and people with disabilities
under the Young Voices project at
Leonard Cheshire Disability North
and East Africa office in Nairobi.
Human Right Activist, Boniface Mwangi takes a picture with Ashura
Michael at PAWA 254.
4. ASHURA MICHAELPROFILE
Currently:
•Co-chair global partnership on
children with disabilities (UNICEF),
•Secretary General of Kenya National
Association of the Deaf Youth Section,
•Peace ambassador Kenya
•Miss Deaf Kenya- 2013-2014 title holder
•A member of International Deaf
Education, .Advocacy and leadership
(I.D.E.A.L)
Projects I have been involved include:
This was at the Miss Deaf Kenya 2013/14 competition. Along
side me is African Top model, Rose Muringo.
5. ASHURA MICHAEL PROFILE
Previous Works/Projects:
• I have campaigned for equal rights for the
disabled in society in various occasions such as
the Presidential debate, where I advocated for
the need to have sign language interpreter, this
has been replicated in various news channels.
•Before joining the University of Nairobi
(UoN), I found myself advocating for access to
Braille services, handicap accessible buildings
and equal treatment when employing persons
with disabilities, both locally and internationally.
• Host of Able Different on Kenya Broadcast-
ing Cooperation (KBC) - Able Different focused
on disabilities in general to show their abilities
to work and do anything like other persons.
Former UK’S Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Chelie
Blair where we, Leonard Cheshire organization had gone to
celebrate International Day of Women. Discussed during our
short visit were the main challenges that women with dis-
abilities face in their daily life. Great hosts.
6. ASHURA MICHAELPROFILE
• Kuja Special Secondary School for the Deaf- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
(KCSE) C (Plain)
• Inoorero University- Diploma in Law Class of 2013
‘I will assure young girls that DISABILITY should not come in the way
of achieving your dreams Thanks to all individuals for their
tiresome efforts to make me who I am today.’
-Ashura Michael
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
7. ASHURA MICHAEL PROFILE
Hon. Machari Kamau Kenya’s ambassador of USA at his office in NEWYORK where we
discussed on the matter faced persons with disabilities in Kenya and how we can work
to implementing the disabilities act 2003 and the constitution of Kenya. The main issue
discussed was on education.
8. ASHURA MICHAELPROFILE
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at
Charlie Blaire foundation for women- United Kingdom (UK) - I address the
convention on issues affecting disabled Women and actions that can help
alleviate this.
• Leonard Cheshire Disability- United Kingdom(UK)- represented the Kenya
disabled community and engaged policy formers in regards to Disability
and ways to work together with these willing members of society.
• World Conference on Youths- Sri Lanka
• International Human Right Foundation- United Kingdom (UK) -
Representative of the Kenyan Disable society.
• Peace Ambassador Kenya -Mentor at Senetwo west Pokot secondary school
• Global Partnership on children with disabilities- Co-chair.
• UN state parties’ conference- Youth Panel member
• Cherie Blair foundation women day – London Scholarship
• Represented disabled people of Kenya –BBC, London
• Represent deaf community at CCK conference on access to information
for deaf people May 2012 and 2014 –Youth Representative.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE DECISION MAKERS THAT I HAVE PRESENTED AT;
9. ASHURA MICHAEL PROFILE
Meeting the Queen dinner at her majesty queen to celebrate her charity work where I explained to her the
work we do under the Leonard Cheshire disability young voice our achievements and challenges
10. ASHURA MICHAELPROFILE
AT the UN headquarters New York during UN State parties conference on CONVENTION RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES.
11. Washington Sati – Region policy and Campaigns manager East and North Africa,
Leonard Cheshire Disability
@: Washingtonsati@hotmail.com
T: +254723270416
Nickson Kakiri- Chairman, Kenya National Association of the Deaf.
@: info@knad.org
T: +254715485272
Freddy Wakimani - Chairman school of law, Inoorero University,
@: freddy.wakimani@law.iu.ac.ke
T: +254722-880447
Francis Mworia - General Manager, Treasure Communications Limited
@:mworia@treasurecomms.com
T:+254721418148
REFEREES
ASHURA MICHAEL PROFILE
