Solomon Islands encourages residents to learn sign language

From The Solomon Star:

Are you interested in learning and mastering sign language?

The Disable Centre at Panatina in Honiara is the answer.

Deaf students of San Isidro Aruligo confirmed to Solomon Star that sign language classes were conducted at the centre every Saturday morning.

Two deaf students, Barnabas Ali and Francis Leve, told Solomon Star through an interpreter, the aim of the special sessions was to encourage the public to learn and understand sign language and help them to interact with the deaf students.

One of the deaf students, Francis Leve, said in the past deaf students found it difficult to communicate with people who can talk because they cannot understand each other’s language.

But with the introduction of the sign language, he said, they now feel they belong to the society.

“We want to be independent rather than having an interpreter or a member of our family always there to interpret for us,” he said in sign language.

Mr Leve said so far there hasn’t been much help from the government towards the deaf people, so they are taking their own initiative to teach sign language to interested people.

“We want to teach the public how to use our language because we want to communicate with them,” he said.
Another student, Barnabas Ali, said all members of the public are welcome to join the sign language class to enhance communication among the deaf.

He specifically encouraged families and friends to attend the sign language classes.

An interpreter, Angela Murray, who is teaching sign language at the San Isidro Centre, encouraged deaf people above the age of 15 and who are residing in rural areas, to attend the centre.

She said sign language class started in June this year and will conclude end of this year, “therefore any interested person wishing to learn sign language this is your chance.”

Ms Murray said so far five senior students of San Isidro Centre were involved in teaching the sign language with the help of their other interpreter, Mary Maneka.