Patrick Otema is 15 years old.
He was born deaf but in this remote northern region in Uganda
there are no schools for deaf children.
In his whole life Patrick has never had a conversation.
His father Charles looks after him.
They are only able to communicate through very basic gestures.
Patrick's fate is not unusual.
Most deaf people in Sub-Saharan Africa have never been taught sign language.
Unable to communicate with others
they're trapped in their own minds.
Raymond became deaf as a child after a bout of Malaria.
Six months ago,
he traveled to the Capital for intensive training in sign language.
Now he's returned to his village to do something unprecedented.
he's going to teach the first sign language course
ever set up here
The class begins and Patrick joins
today's class is the first of many to come
so far, it's been a success.
Before the end, each new student goes to the front.
The class votes on a new name for them.
This is now Patrick sign name.
and it marks the beginning of a new life.
10 weeks later
we return to check on the class.
For the first time, these students are able to communicate.
and it's changing their lives.
LAUGHTER
Now Patrick and his classmates are able to make plans.