PARTICIPANTS in the two day sign language training in Auki, Malaita Province have thanked Solomon Islands Deaf Association (SIDA) for giving them the opportunity to learn this important skill.
One participant Solomon Jack said the training was an eye-opener for many of them.
Mr Jack was a representative of Save the Children Office in Auki during the training.
He told the Solomon Star that what he learnt will help him communicate confidently with those with hearing impairment during his field work.
“I have also learnt the importance of sign language and ways to use sign language in a respectful way.
“It will also help me to communicate with those with hearing impairment about issues of violence,” Mr Jack said.
SIDA public relations officer Lovelyn Kwaoga said people need to learn sign language because it will enable those with hearing impairment to communicate equally with everybody.
Ms Kwaoga said this was the first time her office had conducted such training in Auki and they have identified areas which they need to improve on for their future training programmes.
She said they would also be looking at training interpreters to help SIDA in its future training programmes.
Meanwhile, Ms Kwaoga thanked DEFAT and Oxfam for funding the first sign language training.
“I believe participants in the recent training will go back to their respective organisations and places and start using the sign language when meeting those with hearing impairment,” she said.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
in Auki
