Born deaf, Prince Nahimana learned how to communicate through sign language and writing, and later pursued his passion for art. His artistic talent, mainly painting, flourished at a young age and became a form of expression and refuge. His two siblings, a girl, and a boy, are also deaf.
As an artist and entrepreneur, Nahimana’s journey has been a mix of challenges and triumphs. He has faced many obstacles, including a lack of resources, limited market access, and communication barriers.
Today, the 34-year-old is the founder of the Kigali Deaf Art Gallery, which employs deaf artists and showcases their work to the world.
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The objective
Nahimana’s vision goes beyond personal gain and recognition. Rather, he aims to create a platform for deaf artists to be seen, heard and most importantly, valued.
He studied primary school in Rwanda and later moved to Uganda for secondary school. He also pursued and earned a Bachelor’s degree in art and industrial design, which has enabled him to communicate more efficiently, especially in writing and linguistic skills like English.
His mission is fuelled by a desire to help deaf people find employment and reduce the high unemployment rate among the deaf community. His aim is to help others discover their talents, find purpose, and earn a living.
At the Kigali Deaf Art Gallery, they make beaded pots, paintings, drawings, mural paintings, sculptures, jewellery, art multimedia, and fashion, among other things. Their work is centered on Rwandan culture and symbols of its heritage. They currently have 11 permanent artists at the gallery, with the hope to expand in the future.
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Nahimana also advocates for the use of sign language as a common language, taught in classrooms from a young age, to facilitate communication, education, and inclusivity. He believes that sign language is a right, not a preference, for deaf people.
"Other people who do not have impairments should also recognise the importance of learning sign language, just as they do with English, French, and other languages. The need for inclusivity and communication is essential in all aspects of society, and we should not be excluded,” he says.
Being a person with a speech impairment, Nahimana faces communication challenges with clients and mostly communicates through written messages. He also acknowledges that there is a lack of resources, materials for painting, and information about art exhibitions, which limits their productivity and market reach.
Despite these challenges, Nahimana remains hopeful, driven, and focused on his vision.
"We face communication challenges daily, but I refuse to let this hold me back. I believe that with the right support and collaborative effort, we can overcome these challenges and take people with disabilities from a place of pity to true success and independence,” he noted.
Nahimana plans to establish an art training centre for children with a speech impairment to foster their artistic skills and creativity. He invites investors and artists to join him on this mission to curb poverty for those living with disabilities.
"I believe that every child has a talent waiting to be discovered, and I want to create a space for children with speech impairments to explore their creativity. By providing them with the necessary resources, support, and training, I hope to unlock their full potential and give them a chance to succeed,” he says.
Nahimana hopes that his story will "paint a new path,” serving as proof that, despite the challenges of living with a disability, one can pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.
"By showcasing our works, we hope to inspire others to break their own barriers, embrace their talents, and reach for their dreams, regardless of their struggles,” he says.