Evangelical Mission to Deaf in the Pacific (EMDP)
In 1997, Matthew Adedeji, a Deaf missionary from Nigeria, arrived in Fiji on Christmas Day with his family. During his time there, he worked extensively with Deaf communities, particularly through the Christian Fellowship for the Deaf, serving faithfully for three years before relocating to the United Kingdom.
While in Fiji, Matthew travelled widely across the Pacific Islands. Through direct engagement and careful observation, he identified a critical and deeply concerning gap: Deaf people in Fiji had little to no access to formal education, and there was no dedicated school for Deaf children. In response to this urgent need, he developed and articulated a clear and purposeful vision-to establish a school for Deaf children in Fiji.
This vision was strongly supported by the late Mrs Vivienne Harland, founder of the Christian Fellowship for the Deaf, as well as by the Board of Trustees of Fiji Gospel Trust. Through the shared commitment, determination, and leadership of Matthew and Vivienne, the first Deaf school in Fiji—the Gospel School for the Deaf (GSD)-was officially established in January 1999. From its inception, the school welcomed students not only from Fiji but also from across the wider Pacific Islands.
As the work expanded, Matthew and Vivienne recognised the need for additional leadership and specialist support. They subsequently recruited Wale Alade, a Deaf educator from Nigeria, who joined the mission with his family. Together, they played a pivotal role in advancing both educational provision and Christian outreach among Deaf communities, continuing this work with dedication and consistency.
The impact of their combined efforts was both significant and far-reaching. Matthew, Vivienne, and Wale shared a firm conviction: that Deaf people across the Pacific deserve equal opportunities, particularly in access to quality education. They recognised that education is fundamental to developing confident, capable Deaf individuals and to fostering a self-sustaining and empowered Deaf community.
In February 2002, following his relocation to the United Kingdom, Matthew—deeply aware that more than 20,000 Deaf people across the Pacific Islands continued to require sustained, informed, and culturally responsive support-founded Deaf Pacific. Since its establishment, the trustees of Deaf Pacific have continued to work diligently in partnership with others to advocate for, support, and improve the lives of Deaf children and their families across Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
What are we getting up to present day?
At the moment, our focus is on Fiji Islands. We are working with the Gospel School for the Deaf and have been very successful working to raise the profile of the school and generating supports for its local staff and students.
There is over 10 staff at this school with fantastic skills working with Deaf children. They also provide wonderful supports to Deaf adult within the community. They provide awareness and information on Deafness, interpreting in religious and social functions.Â
They also actively work with other NGO and government department in facilitating support for Deaf children and young people.