My name is Olivia Kanime, I was born on the first day of the year 1981 on a Farm near Okahandja. For the first 2 years of my life, I was able to hear and speak like all other children, but then I got a sickness that made my head and throat ache a lot and afterwards, I couldn’t talk anymore and my hearing went away bit by bit. Still, I was allowed to go to Eluwa special school for deaf children, where I learned sign language. Being deaf was a problem for my family, as it meant that it would be hard for me to marry.

I was working as a cleaning help in a hotel when I heard in 2005 that Penduka was looking for deaf women to train in glassbead making. I wanted to learn this from my heart. Today, I have found peace as I can also stay on the Penduka premises. My life is good and there are kind people around me. Penduka for me means peace.