Discover the incredible impact of inclusive communication as we interview Mrs. Soledad, a dedicated volunteer who empowers our community through teaching sign language:
What inspired you to offer a sign language workshop?
The need to see that there is no communication for deaf people, neither from the government, from schools, or from anyone who specializes in them. In addition to my own need to help them learn, that's what motivated me to give my years, my experience, and my work.
What motivates you to continue teaching sign language to others?
The enthusiasm I see on my students expressing their joy, concern, curiosity, and other feelings. Sign language is a very expressive language that uses gestures and hand movements, and that excites me a lot. It has made me more sensitive and attentive since this language uses all the senses to learn and communicate. It's fantastic for me.
Could you share a story or experience you've had while teaching the workshop?
The whole process has been an invaluable experience for me. When I arrived at this town, there was no school for my deaf child, so I went to Guadalajara to specialize and started a small kindergarten. What has motivated and excited me the most is seeing the response to the workshop from both young people and adults. And thinking about the possibility of expanding the workshop and eventually starting an oralization workshop for deaf individuals who still can produce words.
Is there a special anecdote or emotional moment you've experienced while teaching sign language that you would like to share?
My most emotional moment was when we sang at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Campus de Mita. I saw that my group, which was just starting, could sing and the audience was moved. Seeing the expression and love with which my students sang "Color Esperanza". That was my most emotional moment, and it allowed me to showcase the work I had been doing with my students.
Finally, is there any message or something you would like to share with the team, our readers, or your students?
First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to share my little experience, painful and cruel as it may be, but it's my own experience. I am extremely grateful to Jeovana the director for giving me the opportunity and to the wonderful team of colleagues and of course to the donors, as thanks to them, we can be here. As a volunteer, I have been fantastically grateful and praised without ever receiving a salary. It doesn't interest me. My satisfaction, my beautiful feast, is seeing the result I see in my students. And again, I am extremely grateful to the whole team, to teacher Karina, teacher Alexis, and Jeovana, who have shown great willingness and interest in my project.
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