Hakim Hayat
Twenty-two individuals who attended a three-day basic sign language workshop at the Temburong Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE Temburong) are in a better footing with the skill hoped to bridge the gap in communicating with the hearing-impaired.
Permanent Secretary (Community and Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari presented certificates to participants, comprising those from the PKWE Temburong and Village Consultative Councils of Temburong at the closing ceremony at the National Service Camp at Kampong Batu Apoi in the Temburong District yesterday.
Jointly organised by the Community Development Department (JAPEM) and the National Association for the Hearing-Impaired, the participants were exposed to different modules of sign language, such as the use of hand shapes to spell alphabets and numbers, basic communication and role play activities.
Recognising the importance of sign language as a medium of communication, JAPEM hopes the workshop, that will be extended to PKWE in other districts, will promote ways to communicate with the hearing-impaired and inculcate a life-long learning culture.
Legislative Council (LegCo) member and Penghulu of Mukim Bokok Yang Berhormat Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu attended the workshop and closing ceremony. Acting Temburong District Officer Pengiran Ameer Mubarak bin Pengiran Haji Hashim was also present.
The closing ceremony saw performances using the sign language by participants, as well as a short video clip of the workshop.
