- shortage of sign language interpreters exacerbates the problem
Deaf individuals in the country often face significant challenges in accessing even free services due to communication barriers and shortage of Sign Language Interpreters
These services include among others, medical, law enforcement, education, counseling or even getting help in offices because interpreters are rarely available.
This was revealed by Bayengi Professional Sign Language Interpreter Services (BPSLIS) Director, Bayengi Mokiya during the graduation ceremony of 11 sign language interpreters that was held in Maun on recently.
The aim of the graduation ceremony which was first of its kind to be held in Botswana was meant to celebrate the graduates who took a step to learn sign language to bridge the existing gap between the Deaf and Hearing communities.
The graduates completed Basic Sign Language Skills, Intermediation Sign Language Skills and Advanced Sign Language Skills courses at BPSLIS, a school offering BQA accredited Sign Language classes.
The school which aims to enhance communication between the Deaf and the Hearing communities, has branches in Maun, Gaborone and Mochudi.
According to Mokiya, in Botswana there is a large group of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and it is crucial for individuals to learn Sign Language to enable effective communication between the Deaf and the Hearing communities. He stated that in many instances, the Deaf community are left aside and excluded by the community at large.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the BPSLIS School director who also founded the institution is also deaf himself. As a deaf person, Mokiya has managed to overcome obstacles and proved that disability is not inability and that any deaf or disabled person can achieve what they want in life.
Bible Society of Botswana Translation Manager, Portia Baloyi has called on the government to employ Sign Language Interpreters to allow access to medical and education services or any services that is restricted to the deaf people.
Baloyi noted that it is very important to understand the deaf culture in order to bridge the gap between Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and those who can hear. She added that understanding deaf culture also encourages mutual respect between both sides while promoting understanding and acceptance among all members of society.
Baloyi said that Bible Society of Botswana is currently addressing the crucial need by translating the Bible into Sign language, enabling Deaf believers to fellowship, grow, and serve God independently.
For his part, North West District Disability Coordinator, Montsusi Morake has commended the graduates for working hard to complete their studies.
“To the graduates as we gather here to celebrate your graduation, I cannot help but reflect on the journey you took from the first day you stepped onto the institution premises to the last day you crawled out of bed for your final exams, it must be emphasised that you have come a long way,” he said.
Morake highlighted that graduation is a significant milestone in student’s life, a rite of passage that deserves to be celebrated and commemorated.
