Andrew Foster was a remarkable pioneer, who overcame both racial discrimination and societal limitations of deafness to become one of the most influential educators in African history. Born in 1925 in Ensley, Alabama, Foster lost his hearing at age 11 due to spinal meningitis.
Despite facing the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws and segregation that limited African American education to sixth grade, Foster persevered. He moved to Michigan, worked in auto factories while taking correspondence courses, and eventually became the first Black Deaf person to earn a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University in 1954.
His true legacy began in 1956 when he founded the Christian Mission for Deaf Africans. Discovering that there were only 12 deaf schools in the entire African continent, Foster embarked on an ambitious mission. He established the Ghana Mission School for the Deaf – the first school for the deaf in West Africa. Before his arrival, Ghana had no formal sign language or educational programs for deaf people.
Foster’s impact was phenomenal. He went on to establish 32 schools across 13 African nations and numerous churches for the Deaf. His work was so successful that both Ghana and Nigeria adopted his educational models nationwide.
Tragically, Foster’s life was cut short in a plane crash near Rwanda in 1987. However, his legacy lives on. He opened doors for countless Deaf African students to attend Gallaudet University, and his former students continue to advance deaf education across Africa.
For his extraordinary contributions, Foster received numerous honors, including an honorary doctorate from Gallaudet in 1970 – becoming the first Black person to receive this recognition. Today, he is rightfully remembered as the “Father of Deaf Education in Africa”.
Foster’s life exemplifies how one person’s determination can transform the lives of thousands. His work not only brought education and sign language to Deaf Africans but also helped change societal attitudes toward deafness across the continent.
Until next time, ta ta! 😀🤟🏻
