The deaf have long been marginalized and ignored in the DRC, but in recent years some efforts have been made toward a more inclusive approach. In January 2026, the government officially recognized Congolese Sign Language (LSC) as its fifth national language. LSC is based on American Sign Language (ASL) brought to the country by the missionary educator Andrew Foster, with some modifications based on French. The country has an estimated 1.4 million deaf.
Deaf individuals are scattered throughout the country, but there are also small clusters in the east, and five known clusters in Kinshasa.
In families already fragile through poverty, many break apart when a child becomes deaf. Many deaf children are being raised by elderly grandmothers.
Despite constitutional guarantees of access to education, deaf children are seldom able to attend school due to lack of teachers trained to meet their needs and lack of adapted teaching materials. Many families also live in extreme poverty and are unable to pay school fees. There are a very small number of specialized schools in the country, a number now far fewer than that previously listed by Gallaudet University. Most of these are in the extreme east of the country. There is a very small school in Kikwit and two in Kinshasa, as well as one school for handicapped which includes a class for the deaf. A few deaf have acquired vocational skills like dressmaking, but the majority rely on unstable day jobs wherever they can find them. Few parents or guardians know much sign language, so some deaf children become isolated, angry and combative. This is eased as the guardians learn sign language and as the children learn to communicate with others at school. The majority of deaf in the DRC are also mute or semi-mute. A few were born deaf, but most lost their hearing at very early ages due to the high fevers associated with common illnesses. They still appreciate rhythm, though. Most are able to dance and can feel the vibrations of drums, which are commonly used in Congolese worship.
There are a few evangelical Christian congregations in the east, and two in Kinshasa. There are no known churches that provide sign language interpretation as a part of their ministries, so the deaf have access to the gospel only through ministries specifically targeting them. Jehovah's Witnesses are currently targeting the deaf, providing interpretation at their meetings, and paying people small stipends to attend. Deaf come from families of various religious backgrounds, but deaf children normally receive no introduction into those faiths because of communication barriers.
The deaf face physical dangers in the east since they are unable to hear advance warnings of impending raids, and in all the crowded cities, they face danger on the roads where they are unable to hear horns or approaching traffic. Physically, their needs center around appropriate education, employment, decent housing and safe transportation. They also face discrimination and lack of understanding in medical care. Their spiritual need to hear and understand the Gospel message is paramount.
Pray that more evangelical churches will develop a heart to reach the deaf community.
Pray that more Christians will learn sign language and use it to reach out to the deaf.
Pray that the deaf churches will grow in faith to reach out to the whole deaf community of the DRC and beyond.
Pray that deaf believers will be deeply discipled to grow strong in faith and in missionary vision.
Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Congo, Democratic Republic of.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
