Daniel Lim
The sign language workshop organised in the Belait District by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), through the Community Development Department (JAPEM), in collaboration with the National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP) concluded yesterday.
Seventeen members of the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE) and village consultative councils in the Belait District attended the three-day course aimed at bridging the communication gap between hearing and speech-impaired persons and others.
The closing ceremony began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by a participant of the Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers (EDPMMO).
This was then followed by a singing performance of Rasa Sayang by the workshop participants, conducted in parallel with a sign language translation onstage.
Participants received certificates from Legislative Council member and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Labi Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput.
Manager of PKWE Belait Salimo told the Bulletin that the experience was daunting, but rewarding.
“We want to continue learning, and we’ve encouraged participants to apply the use of sign language in everyday life,” he said.
“We will also pass what we’ve learned to our grandchildren, to pave the way for a more inclusive society.”
Similar workshops are being scheduled across the country. For those interested, contact the People with Different Abilities (OKU) Department through the hotline at 2330315 or email pusatbahagia@gmail.com.
