Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) congratulates the 16 sign language trainers who were awarded a certificate of recognition for their work to provide basic sign language training to 498 school children and community members across Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province.
MEHRD with Australia and New Zealand as the key partners in education are supporting the 'Iumi Tugeda Helpem Solomon Aelans Def Komiuniti: Inclusive Education' project to increase opportunities for deaf people in Solomon Islands, through training of sign language trainers and raising awareness of basic sign language.
To date the project has achieved training trainers in sign language, producing 1,000 sign language books and distributed 300 posters to schools, clinics and churches to improve public knowledge of basic sign language.
A closing program was recently held to celebrate the project’s achievements and the final phase of the project which includes 41 participants completing an ACU Certificate in Learning and Teaching, recognised by MEHRD.
MEHRD was represented at the event by Mr Coldrine Kolae – Deputy Secretary Corporate, who on behalf of the Ministry acknowledged the work of the project’s delivery partners Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara, San Isidro Care Centre and School for the Deaf, and Australian Catholic University (ACU) Faculty of Education and Arts to increase participation opportunities for deaf people in Solomon Islands.
“MEHRD are happy to support this project and its contribution to building an inclusive society and achieving education for all,” said MEHRD Deputy Secretary, Coldrine Kolae at the closing program.
The Iumi Tugeda Helpem Solomon Aelans Def Komiuniti: Inclusive Education project is supported by the Governments of Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand through the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) NGO Grants Program.
ESSP aims to improve access to quality basic education for all Solomon Islands children regardless of gender, ability, and location.
Source: Press Release, Ministry of Education
