Learning the Arabic sign language alphabet

Following the celebration of International Disability Day, World Vision’s Area Development programme officers took the activities facilitated by the Self Help Group from El Buss and ran them with children from their local area as a part of a World Vision National Children’s Council which celebrates the ‘Rights of the Child’.

Children from Saida participated in games and activities to raise the awareness of communicating without voice. They were very enthusiastic about guessing what the letters might be for the Arabic sign language alphabet, and learnt how to introduce themselves by name and age.
Two participants asked for extra sheets of words in sign language and wanted to know how to learn more, as every year they met people with speech impairments in Summer camps that they participated in. They told me also of a song in Arabic by Nancy Ajram, whose video clip is in sign language.

It was a positive sign to see children so openly accepting and willing to learn.

Even better news is that the SHG has been invited to the Bekaa on Saturday 24th to facilitate the activities with children there.

The ball has started rolling for 2009 and we hope it will be a year filled with inclusive activities which celebrate the uniqueness of our diversity.