Would the sign-language interpreter and the deaf-partially blind pastor come with me?
Were there as many deaf as we had been led to believe?
Would a parent or carer turn up too as hoped?
Would both children and adults be receptive to some sign workshops?
Would the money asked requested for light refreshments be spent as promised?
Well, YES! was the answer for the most part. Six parent/relatives each turned up to the initial meeting with one deaf child, ranging in ages from 3 to about 13. The lack of a local deaf school, the well-above average prescence of deafness and an inabilty to afford the school fees meant four of the six deaf children there had not coped in a hearing school and stayed at home. They were unable to cope in a hearing school. One deaf child had to drop out of the deaf school as the parents could no longer afford the school fees and the other struggles on in a hearing school with parial deafness. The parents were enthusiastic and agreed to attend with their child. First two workshops were to be 4pm midweek and latter two on the following Sat. and Sun. afternoon.
Only two deaf children and one mother made the first midweek session but we were not discouraged as we knew mid week would be difficult for many carers to get there. It was great to see the eyes of the deaf children brighten as they grasped new concepts such as colours and family signs, and the parents saw how much clearer they would be able to communicate with their child. Subsistence living was evident so my provision of tea and bread in a humid 30degs C was welcomed by us all.
Update and Pictures to follow when technology allows.
Adam
Were there as many deaf as we had been led to believe?
Would a parent or carer turn up too as hoped?
Would both children and adults be receptive to some sign workshops?
Would the money asked requested for light refreshments be spent as promised?
Well, YES! was the answer for the most part. Six parent/relatives each turned up to the initial meeting with one deaf child, ranging in ages from 3 to about 13. The lack of a local deaf school, the well-above average prescence of deafness and an inabilty to afford the school fees meant four of the six deaf children there had not coped in a hearing school and stayed at home. They were unable to cope in a hearing school. One deaf child had to drop out of the deaf school as the parents could no longer afford the school fees and the other struggles on in a hearing school with parial deafness. The parents were enthusiastic and agreed to attend with their child. First two workshops were to be 4pm midweek and latter two on the following Sat. and Sun. afternoon.
Only two deaf children and one mother made the first midweek session but we were not discouraged as we knew mid week would be difficult for many carers to get there. It was great to see the eyes of the deaf children brighten as they grasped new concepts such as colours and family signs, and the parents saw how much clearer they would be able to communicate with their child. Subsistence living was evident so my provision of tea and bread in a humid 30degs C was welcomed by us all.
Update and Pictures to follow when technology allows.
Adam
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