NCERD collaborates training to benefit hearing, speech impaired
THE Departments of Education and Health in Region One (Barima/Waini) in a collaborative effort with the National Centre for Education Development (NCERD) and the United States (U.S.) Peace Corps (P.C.), hosted a series of training courses for 25 educators and community health workers recently.
A release said the sessions were conducted throughout the week of August 22 in Mabaruma, North West District where the topics were of special needs pertaining to classroom management and deaf education and culture.
P. C. volunteers Nathaniel and Hana Stewart, in cooperation with the Regional Health Officer and Regional Education Officer coordinated the exercise which was held in the newly renovated Learning Resource Centre.
Fifteen educators attended eight sessions with P. C. Response Volunteers Joycelyn Friedman and Allen Neece, the release said, adding that the purpose was to provide teachers with guidance to improve their ability to manage classrooms that include learners with special education needs.
Teachers were also introduced to deaf culture and basic education strategies that can be implemented for children with hearing impediment.
“Too often, people tend to focus on a person’s disability rather than their abilities,” said Seetama Ragwen, a Mabaruma primary school teacher and parent of a child with a disability.
“Training like this help emphasise that disability does not mean inability,” she maintained.
Meanwhile, simultaneously, 10 community health workers attended five sessions facilitated by Neece, a deaf specialist, whose objective was to teach them basic sign language and the advantages of using it to promote healthier lifestyles and communication among family members for those with hearing and speech impediments.
Additionally, two children from White Water community, who are deaf, had a one-on-one session with Neece, to learn basic sign language in order to communicate simple phrases with their families and teachers.
“It’s important for children who are deaf to be able to communicate their needs to their family members, as well as to community health workers,” said Stacy Fernandes, a rehabilitation assistant.
“By teaching sign language, we give a voice to these persons and afford them the opportunity to have a healthier and happier life,” she pointed out.
Based on the success of that, it is envisaged that it would be a catalyst for similar sessions in the Moruca and Matarkai sub-regions, the release said.