3060 Reach out your Hand. Computer programme for deaf and mute students
austraLasia #3060

Reach out your Hand
Computer programme for deaf and mute students

 HENDERSON (Don Bosco, Solomon Islands)-- 27 students and teachers from San Isidro Care Centre, Aruligo spent the weekend – 27th and 28th April, 2012 - at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson.   The programme, now a yearly feature and has been running for the past 4 years.
     The programme entitled: ‘Reach out your Hand’ gives the students an occasion to share their knowledge and skills with their less fortunate friends.  Several class leaders and students volunteered to spend the weekend assisting and helping out during the sessions, while Life Skills girls ensured that delicious meals were ready for all at the programme.
     “As a Bosconian student, I feel it is my responsibility to help those who are less fortunate than myself.” said Walton Suamoana, DBTI Junior Electrical student.
     “You can tell from the faces that they express more that what you can imagine. I have personally enjoyed the programme.  It’s just awesome”.  – Kenneth Ravu, DBTI Senior Electrical student.
     The programme was planned and coordinated by Don Bosco Technical Institute, Instructors - Mana Utsunomiya, Ron Mondez and Paulus Buna.  They have enjoyed the experience and commented that the students are keen and are able to learn quickly.  Kazumi Okano, speech therapist at the National Referral Hospital was happy to be part of the programme.
     In expressing his gratitude, director of San Isidro Care Centre, Aruligo, West Guadalcanal, Br George ven der Zant sm, said that the students look forward to the programme.  He thanked the community, staff and students of Don Bosco and the many who have been supportive and assisted in the programme through their kind and generous donations of food and gifts.
     Sr. Ana Tawake smsm, principal appreciated the opportunity offered to the students to give them a glimpse of the world of media and technology.  Sr. Catherine Diau smsm agreed and added saying that it makes them part of the wider community.
     The weekend also had lively moments of prayer, games, song and dance and an inspirational movie.
The programme was enriched through the kindness and generosity of Quan Chee Motors, Caritas Solomon Islands, e-world, Global vision, QQQ and many other donors and benefactors who have been supportive of the programme.