austraLasia #2868
Sharing with the disabled
Computer Reach Out programme for the deaf and
dumb students of San Isidro, Aruligo
HENDERSON (SI): 8 June 2011 -- Don Bosco Technical
Institute, Henderson, had an enriching weekend last weekend
(4-5 June) for all who participated in the programme.
“Every year the students look forward to this opportunity to
sit behind a computer and learn”, said Br George Van der
Zant sm, Director, San Isidro, as he expressed his thanks
for the possibility of having the students there on the
weekend programme. “They like coming here to Don
Bosco, because you are so very warm, welcoming and accepting
of them”, continued an emotional Br George.
31 students from the San Isidro Care
Centre, Aruligo, West Guadalcanal spent an enriching weekend
at Don Bosco. The programme organized by Ms Mana
Utsunomiya, JICA Volunteer and Mr Paulus Buna, PNG had 4
computer sessions, each of which concluded with an
assignment that brought smiles to the faces of the
students. Ms Mary Maneka sign language Teacher
interpreted the instructions for the students while 15 DBTI
students leaders and teachers personally assisted and
ensured that the disabled were able to understand and
perform as required.
A collection of SBD 226.30 was made by
the students of Don Bosco Technical Institute, while the
TVET section gave cartoons of noodles, biscuits and cold
drinks for the programme.
“In our changing world, we need to
constantly update ourselves. It is wonderful that we
can give our disabled friends an opportunity to learn
computers as well”, Paulus Buna, Electrical and Computer
Instructor.
“If I am motivated, I can motivate
others. If I am confused, I confuse as well”, said Ms
Mana Utsunomiya, Computer Instructor. “It is up to me
to give them simple instructions, so that they are able to
follow”, she said.
“I am indeed proud that the students,
some of whom are using a mouse and a keyboard for the first
time have done so well at the programme’, said Ronualdo
Mondez, Automotive and Computer Instructor.
“The students have been very interested in all that they
have learnt in computers”, said Mary Maneka, sign language
teacher.
“Thank you for the programme, it really
helps our students. It has proved to them that they
are not bad, but can do something. Providing this
computer programme to them has been a great boost to them,
for which I am grateful”, Peter Woria, Principal of San
Isidro Centre, Aruligo.
“Despite the fact that I have been here at Don Bosco for
just a few months, I am very happy and proud to share my
gifts and talents and what I have learnt in computers with
our deaf and dumb friends”, Stephen Maetora, Junior Auto
student. “It encourages me to give of my best to those
in need”, he said.
“The weekend has been very
interesting. The deaf and dumb students use their eyes
as their ears to listen and their hands as their mouth to
speak and communicate”, said Brenda Nina, Form 3 student.
The students enjoyed every moment of
their stay at Don Bosco. The Eucharist was a lively
one which gave the opportunity for the students to pray and
sing together. They also enjoyed the screening of a
very powerful and thought provoking film “Vertical Limit’.
_________________
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