From The Anglican Outlook, the newspaper of the Diocese of Trinidad & Tobago

The Revd Fr Jesus Latan, SOUL Coordinator, approached Canon Kenley Baldeo, principal of Richmond Street Boys Anglican School, to present a proposal to promote the teaching of sign language as a pilot programme.

The aim of this programme is to let the student population become involved in this new language environment as well as to sensitize them to the needs of the Deaf. In time, this will foster a better communication between the Deaf and Hearing.

The sign language classes started on January 15 with participation of the First and Second Year students. It is a pilot programme which will be organized incrementally, until the students reach Standard Five.

The lessons are being conducted by Cheryl De Coteau, as certified interpreter and translator who is pursuing a degree in Social Work at the University of the West Indies.

The feedback from the school community has been positive and they are anxious for the future lesson. We pray that this nitiative will open other school doors to welcome this venture. Our long-term goal is for, not just Anglicans, but all persons to become stewards of our differently-abled brothers and sisters and their culture.