Josiah Nel Fernandez

AGAPE SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AGAPE’S MISSION DO YOU KNOW? Deaf people are not mute. The deaf can learn to talk, but because most of them never have the chance to, their speech is not clear. Sign Language is a real language by itself, and recognized in many courtiers—such as Brazil, New Zealand, Portugal, Thailand and Uganda—to have the same status as spoken languages. Deaf people who have the chance to study have become teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists and dancers. There are an estimated 200 deaf people in Dili alone. About 0.05% of all babies are born with hearing loss. Half of all cases of deafness worldwide have unknown causes. The international symbol for deafness is an ear with a slash across it. —> Agape aims to develop capable and responsible citizens of Timor Leste through basic education and behavioral change (social ethics), communication skills development, livelihood training, feeding program for school children, and facilitate other educational support to impoverished and hearing –impaired youth and adults. With Agape’s support, the Timorese people are helped to be empowered, self-reliant, responsible and God-honoring citizens who contribute to the country’s social and economic development. Address: Delta 1, Dili, Timor Leste Website: http://agapeschoolforthedeaf.com Agape School for the Deaf. Email:-Mobile: - Agape School for the Deaf is the first and only school for the deaf in Timor Leste. Established in 2004, it is recognized and financially supported by the government of Timor Leste. The school accepts all deaf studenats regardless of age, and use sign language as the medium of instruction. The Deaf Can Learn Students learn proper signs adapted from Filipino and America Sign Language. Local sign are used where possible. For example, the deaf students have invented unique sign for “ Timor Leste “ and Xanana Gusmao “ which are used in school and among themselves. In time, we aim to develop a standardized Timorese sign language system. Maths basics — addition ,subtraction, division , multiplication — are taught to the students, who also learn to tell time, money matters and more. HISTORY In August 2004 Mrs Rosmin Sebastian and Mrs Wennie Fernandez set up a weekly Sunday class for the deaf. It grew to a twice-weekly program and attracted over 20 deaf which led to many student and their families fleeing Dili Since them the school has gradually recovered. It now offers 2 hour classes five days a week, from Monday to Friday there are currently 20 students aged 8 to 40 who are divided into beginner, Intermediate and advanced groups. The first batch of six students successfully gradated in July 2009. A G A P E WHAT WE OFFER We give the deaf a chance to learn, a place to call their own where they can break through the wall of silence with peers and family. through sign language they develop their social and language skills too. WHAT WE TEACH Students also have the chance to take part in art lessons, educational outings to places of interest (such as Arte Moris and Atauro Isalnd), sports (with Special Olympics) and learn song– signing. They also have the opportunity to represent Timor Leste in International competition and Leadership trainings, Hence, ambassadors of Timor Leste to the deaf. All Deaf Are Welcome! The school offers language (English/ Tetun).Sign Language, Numbers (Math), Arts and Culture including Computer Literacy to the students. Agape offers wholesome education to all deaf students. We also provide students some school materials, snacks and other opportunities to learn. As most of our student do not have the chance to attend school before, we teach them the basic, starting from the alphabets, writing and numbers. Come join us! All deaf people who are interested to learn are welcome regardless of age or educational background.