International Deaf Awareness Week has shone a light on the critical need for understanding and inclusion of deaf communities throughout the Pacific region. The Gospel School for the Deaf is spearheading this effort by not only educating its students but also actively engaging with parents and the wider community about the intricacies of deaf culture and sign language.
Teacher Felicity Ali highlighted the school’s outreach activities that include visits to places such as the Gospel Primary School in Samabula. These visits aim to demonstrate how hearing individuals can effectively communicate and interact with their deaf peers. Ali advocates for the learning of sign language, especially by parents, emphasizing its importance in closing the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
Ali stresses that a deeper understanding of the language and culture of deaf individuals plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion and dismantling harmful stereotypes. She also addressed the importance of terminology, urging people to refer to individuals as “deaf persons” rather than employing outdated or offensive terms like “deaf and dumb” or “deaf and mute.”
Despite functioning as a private entity without government funding, the Gospel School for the Deaf receives vital support from partners in Australia and New Zealand, who provide essential visual learning resources. The school offers educational programs from kindergarten through Class 8, as well as a pre-vocational program that equips students with valuable business skills. Many students transition from the Gospel School to mainstream schools, including Gospel High School, where they can expand their education while engaging with a broader society.
Deaf teacher Miriama Koroitamana also highlighted the importance of hearing students and parents learning sign language to facilitate the full participation of deaf students in all aspects of school life. The ultimate aim is for students to share in every experience with their peers, ensuring that they are laughter and emotion are shared equally within the school community.
This focus on inclusion supports broader regional efforts to close communication gaps and enhance education for the deaf, as reflected in similar initiatives and discussions around the Pacific. The emphasis on sign language access, as highlighted in other forums, aligns well with existing advocacy for better educational support, such as the work of formal organizations like the Sign Language Interpreters Association of Fiji.
The success stories from the Gospel School for the Deaf are a testament to the power of education in bridging divides and fostering community integration. These efforts reflect a hopeful trajectory toward a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of hearing ability, has the opportunity to thrive. As we continue to progress, the commitment of educators and communities to learning and mutual respect remains vital in ensuring that our deaf communities are heard and included on equal footing.