By Kenny Romanus
Twenty-five participants took part in a four-day sign language training held in Kiunga, located in the North Fly District of Western Province.
The training was led by Clare Guria from Port Moresby, an officer with the Callan Service National Unit (CSNU), under the “All Ears Project.” She was assisted by sign language interpreter Heidi Martin. The workshop brought together staff from Callan Service Kiunga, healthcare workers, early childhood educators, government officials from various departments, and individuals with disabilities, including those who are physically disabled or non-verbal.
Training sessions focused on both Culture Sign Language and PNG Sign Language. Participants were taught to count, spell the alphabet, and form words, sentences, and short paragraphs using sign language.
On Friday, July 18, the final day of the training featured a 50-mark test, divided into four sections: finger spelling words, finger spelling numbers, short sentences, and short paragraphs.
Ms. Guria expressed her gratitude to the participants and shared that only a few locations were selected for workshops this year, with Kiunga among them. She noted that some provinces lack formal disability associations, making it difficult to assess the local population of persons with disabilities and plan such initiatives.
“Training like this are determined based on the number of persons with disabilities in a given area or province,” she explained.
Local Sign Language Teacher/Participant, Sapa Ura Kasame, who is deaf and non-verbal, conveyed through interpreter Miss Otiwai expressed his appreciation for the training, which was the first of its kind in Western Province. He urged that sign language be incorporated into public events to ensure inclusivity for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
He also emphasized the need for sign language to be taught across public and private sectors to help break down communication barriers.
Anore Martin, a CSNU technician with the Callan Project in Kiunga, said they face challenges communicating with deaf students at the center. She supported Mr. Kasame’s call for wider sign language education, as natural signs used by normal people communicating with deaf individuals can often lead to miscommunication. She said the training helped her gain foundational skills in sign language, which will be useful in her role.
Wangimop Dinop, Coordinator for Disabilities at the Office of Community Development & Welfare Services, said on behalf of the Western Province Organization of PWDs that lessons from the training could be extended to public offices in Kiunga and North Fly, potentially with Mr. Kasame as a local instructor.
Theo Katingo, Disability Representative from the North Fly DDA board, highlighted the need for effective communication and equitable service delivery through partnerships with Callan Service Kiunga. He called on stakeholders and government bodies to collaborate with the center.
Meanwhile, participants expressed appreciation to Steamships for sponsoring the training.
Western Star 