Imperial World School in collaboration with
Kathmandu University School of Education touched a new
milestone, yet again.
Inside the IWS auditorium, 83 energized and
educated Deaf Youth and Deaf educators assembled to continue
with a second workshop under Lifelong learning. The entire
program covers 27 hours spread over some 7 weeks.
While information about Deaf Art, Culture and History took center
stage, Stephen Hawking’s recommendation to ‘appreciate the
grand design in the universe’ was given special prominence. The
miracle of life, the beauty and order in the intricate weave of
nature, some watersheds in history to learn from, both ancient and
modern and some select life skills of value for day to day living are
also included in this first of its kind knowledge sharing with the
Deaf Youth.
But what makes this series unique is the fact that it is delivered
directly in Sign Language, understood and appreciated by the
Signing audience. In other words, services of an interpreter are not
employed. As this is what the Deaf participants said is ideal from
their point of view. And yes, we could see the thrill and enjoyment
in their attentive facial expressions, absorbing deep and vast
learning all in Signs, their beloved language!
As a token of encouragement and acknowledgment, a certificate
of appreciation and participation was handed out by Kathmandu
University to each one of the Deaf participants present. A first time
in the country but certainly not the last as this is a series with a
future, to be continued for the next 6 weeks.
The entire program is initiated, designed, and executed by Sarah
Giri, a member of our IWS advisory panel and also Special Needs
Education faculty and consultant in Kathmandu University School
of Education. For the facilitation in Nepali Sign Language, Sarah Giri
and our school Sign Language Instructor Balaram Karki were on
stage, delivering with high visual impact. The learning
enhanced by colorful slides and videos! While, all along, the 83
the strong audience of Deaf Youth and Educators heard with ‘focused
eyes’ in pin-drop silence!
