Sign Language Workshops in Kabale, Uganda June 2009 Cambridge to Africa funded a sign language workshop at the Child Africa International School in June 2009, with funding supported by a grant from Queens’ Clare Overseas Education Fund (QCOEF) from the University of Cambridge. Training was provided by staff from the Ugandan National Association for the Deaf (UNAD). An official from the Kabale Education department was also included in the workshop for purposes of ensuring that the outcome of the workshop would aid in policy changes which would favour special needs pupils. A total of 18 teachers attended the week long workshop (16 non deaf and 2 deaf teachers). The course included sign language skills and cultural awareness seminars. Cambridge to Africa collected data from a feedback questionnaire that followed the course. We have added comments that arose from feedback below: "I can now compose songs, drama, compositions, even giving a speech in sign language. I do highly appreciate Cambridge to Africa for this program. However, it would be even better if we can have another workshop to make communication excellent." Deogratious Mbabazi (Maths, Science and English teacher and Director of Studies) "I have been on many courses during my life in association with nursing and teaching but I can honestly say that it is a long time since I learnt so much on a course in such a fun environment. The course teachers were enthusiastic, encouraging and open minded. They are all fun and creative too. Some of their ideas have really opened the minds of some of the teachers regarding methods of teaching! Teachers are now aware of the need to include the deaf children in everything and are confident enough to do so. It seems that the Child Africa teachers now get great delight in signing to each other at lunch time, in town, from bicycles or wherever." Rosemary Soyland (English teacher, multipurpose volunteer from Norway) "I gained experiences I had never learned before. For example, the deaf way, deaf culture and history which was taught by Mr Mbulamwana Joseph, Information Officer from UNAD. It was a success, everybody learnt more about deaf people. We also learned about categories of deaf people and causes of deafness. I also learned about telling stories and since the course I try to teach deaf children and non deaf children about stories in sign language. So they can learn signs fast and give stories about their family a background. Deafness is not an inability; success has a simple formula. Do your best, people might like it." Flavia Orikinza (Deaf teacher and sign language instructor) What became very apparent to us from the questionnaire feedback were three main themes: The integrative role the workshop created between deaf and non deaf teachers and students; The impact it had on the wider Kabale community; The need for more workshops in the near future to build on sign language skills. Cambridge to Africa is committed to providing more sign language workshops at the intermediate and advanced levels during 2010 and 2011. If you would like to donate towards funding for this project please contact Dr Sacha DeVelle at email: info@cambridgetoafrica.org. We very much value your contribution!