2868 PNG-SI Henderson - sharing with deaf
austraLasia #2868
 

Sharing with the disabled
Computer Reach Out programme for the deaf and dumb students of San Isidro, Aruligo

 
HENDERSON (SI): 8 June 2011 -- Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson, had an enriching weekend last weekend (4-5 June) for all who participated in the programme.  “Every year the students look forward to this opportunity to sit behind a computer and learn”, said Br George Van der Zant sm, Director, San Isidro, as he expressed his thanks for the possibility of having the students there on the weekend programme.  “They like coming here to Don Bosco, because you are so very warm, welcoming and accepting of them”, continued an emotional Br George.
    31 students from the San Isidro Care Centre, Aruligo, West Guadalcanal spent an enriching weekend at Don Bosco.  The programme organized by Ms Mana Utsunomiya, JICA Volunteer and Mr Paulus Buna, PNG had 4 computer sessions, each of which concluded with an assignment that brought smiles to the faces of the students.  Ms Mary Maneka sign language Teacher interpreted the instructions for the students while 15 DBTI students leaders and teachers personally assisted and ensured that the disabled were able to understand and perform as required. 
    A collection of SBD 226.30 was made by the students of Don Bosco Technical Institute, while the TVET section gave cartoons of noodles, biscuits and cold drinks for the programme.
    “In our changing world, we need to constantly update ourselves.  It is wonderful that we can give our disabled friends an opportunity to learn computers as well”, Paulus Buna, Electrical and Computer Instructor.
    “If I am motivated, I can motivate others.  If I am confused, I confuse as well”, said Ms Mana Utsunomiya, Computer Instructor.  “It is up to me to give them simple instructions, so that they are able to follow”, she said.
    “I am indeed proud that the students, some of whom are using a mouse and a keyboard for the first time have done so well at the programme’, said Ronualdo Mondez, Automotive and Computer Instructor.
“The students have been very interested in all that they have learnt in computers”, said Mary Maneka, sign language teacher.
    “Thank you for the programme, it really helps our students.  It has proved to them that they are not bad, but can do something.  Providing this computer programme to them has been a great boost to them, for which I am grateful”, Peter Woria, Principal of San Isidro Centre, Aruligo.
“Despite the fact that I have been here at Don Bosco for just a few months, I am very happy and proud to share my gifts and talents and what I have learnt in computers with our deaf and dumb friends”, Stephen Maetora, Junior Auto student.  “It encourages me to give of my best to those in need”, he said.
    “The weekend has been very interesting.  The deaf and dumb students use their eyes as their ears to listen and their hands as their mouth to speak and communicate”, said Brenda Nina, Form 3 student.
    The students enjoyed every moment of their stay at Don Bosco.  The Eucharist was a lively one which gave the opportunity for the students to pray and sing together.  They also enjoyed the screening of a very powerful and thought provoking film “Vertical Limit’.


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