A NUMBER of children have taken part in an interactive workshop to learn the basics of Arabic sign language as part of events held during the Bahrain Summer Festival.
Bahraini Abeer Saloom, who was diagnosed with a severe hearing impairment since birth, led the workshop for children aged seven to 15 at the Art Centre in Manama.
Ms Saloom, who wears a hearing aid and relies primarily on lip reading, is a certified sign language trainer and is the chief executive of Esharah (Sign) for Training.
She told the GDN that learning sign language is an essential skill for young children as it bridges the gap between differently-abled children while also easing the integration of hearing-impaired students into mainstream schools.
“Learning sign language has multiple positive benefits that aren’t restricted just to communicating with hearing-impaired individuals; it also enhances mental capabilities,” said Ms Saloom.
“It also builds character and strengthens creativity – especially in children during their prime age of personality development – and it enhances non-verbal communication abilities.
“It also enhances observation skills as it depends on understanding non-verbal communication, body language and facial expressions.
“Learning sign language will also contribute to reducing bullying in schools as children will grow up learning and loving sign language which will instil the understanding that those with determination are productive members of society just like able-bodied people.”
She encouraged parents to allow their children to learn sign language – as an additional skill – while also providing a positive outlet for children’s energy and free-time.
She added that there were around 300 different languages in sign language.
“I think sign language is important so that I can communicate with deaf people so that they can understand me and I can understand them,” Jenna Al Jaber told the GDN.
“They should teach sign language in schools so that we can learn the language and if there are any deaf people in the school we can communicate with them,” added the 10-year-old.
“I don’t know how to make full words yet but I know the letters.”
Meanwhile, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) cultural programmes head Safa Al Kaabi told the GDN that sign language was added to the festival programme to introduce children to the skill.
She added that multiple workshops organised as part of the annual festival – now in its 14th edition – aim to continue educational efforts in a fun manner throughout the summer.
“We have had a high number of children registering for these various workshops and not just in sign language as we get around 2,000 to 3,000 visitors to the Art Centre per day – which is amazing.
“We wanted children to be introduced to sign language as an additional language different from the usual languages – such as English and Arabic – taught in school.
“We use these workshops to find talented children in various fields so that we can help enhance their skills and grow their talent.”
The festival – organised by Baca – ends tomorrow.
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