Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Agenzia Fides) – Deaf and dumb students are quickly learning computer skills and how to use the new technologies as a means to overcome the limitations of their disability, come out of themselves, and come into contact with the world, with their brethren, and with God. This is what Agenzia Fides was told by the Salesians at the Don Bosco Technical Training Centre in Honiara, which is attended by many youth from the Islands who learn a profession and thus, can enter into the local society and overcome the age-old problem of unemployment.
The institute has developed special courses in computers for the deaf and dumb who cannot follow a regular course and who are in need of close attention in the teaching. Thanks to the generosity of several Salesians, such as Fr. Ambrose Pereira, Director of Social Communications for the Church in the Solomon Islands, and Sr. Anna Maria Gervasoni, of the Daughters of Our Lady, Help of Christians, in addition to many lay volunteers...a group of 27 young people are receiving information technology courses on computer skills.
The results have been impressive, teachers say. The youth have learned the material quickly and have shown unexpected technical and artistic talent. The new communications media has given them a special interest that, with the possibility and instruments they need, they can cultivate in the future. “Seeing their talent and quick-learning skills, I see no reason why, long term, they could not be usefully employed in this computer-related age, just like other students,” the Course organizers said.
The Church in the Solomon Islands is very active in the area of education, especially for children from underprivileged families. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/3/2009)
