Sudan Unlocks Communication: Missionaries Champion Sign Language for the Hard-of-Hearing
In a significant initiative to foster inclusion and communication within Sudan, particularly for communities of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, Comboni Missionary Father Jorge Naranjo is spearheading the development of a web platform dedicated to teaching Sudanese Arabic sign language. This project aims to bridge communication gaps by providing accessible multimedia resources for Sudanese Arabic speakers interested in learning sign language for personal, professional, or educational advancement.
The platform, managed by the Comboni College of Science and Technology (CCST), will not only offer video lessons but also facilitate access to accredited translators from the Sudan National Union of Deaf Persons. This crucial feature will enable institutions to more effectively integrate people with hearing impairments into their various activities, promoting a more inclusive society where every individual can strive for excellence.
The recording of the foundational video-lessons for the platform commenced on September 30, with an accredited translator provided by the Sudan National Union of Deaf Persons ensuring accuracy and authenticity. Father Naranjo, who also serves as the Rector of Comboni College in Khartoum (CCK), has been instrumental in this endeavor.
The Comboni College in Khartoum has a long-standing history, originally opening as a secondary school in 1929 with the mission to continue the educational legacy of Saint Daniel Comboni. Over the decades, CCK has evolved into a multi-religious and international institution in the capital, welcoming both Christian and Muslim students. In 2001, to provide educational continuity based on the college's principles, the Comboni College of Science & Technology was established with the vision of cultivating an inclusive society. Father Naranjo previously noted that nearly half of the students and most of the teaching staff are of Islamic faith, emphasizing the institution's commitment to educating young people to serve by integrating cultural diversity and fostering social cohesion, especially with marginalized communities and refugees.
Despite these efforts, Sudan continues to grapple with conflict and instability. The country's recent history includes internal conflicts that led to South Sudan's independence in 2011 and the devastating civil war that erupted in 2023. This ongoing conflict pits the Sudanese military against the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group. The civil war profoundly impacted CCK, with its main building becoming an epicenter of the battlefield, although it still stands. Consequently, while Khartoum remains in its name, the college's activities have adapted, with a shift towards online learning programs to ensure educational continuity amidst the challenging circumstances.
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