On Tuesday, two of my teammates (Danielle and Travis) and I piled into a car with kindhearted African man named Peter, and set off for the Nancy School for the Deaf, a primary and secondary combined school at which Peter is a teacher. Thanks to the language barrier and the “TIA” (This Is Africa; go with the flow) mentality, none of us knew quite what to expect. The fact that none of us had much experience with special needs children, coupled with an added language barrier (African Sign Language is NOT the same as American!) only added to our nervousness.
We met with the headmaster briefly and learned a few introductory signs. Immediately, the three of us were hooked. As we went from class to class introducing ourselves, we learned more and more signs, and in doing so felt more and more at ease with the kids. For me, the most surprising discovery was how “normal” these kids seemed. They still had great senses of humor, smiles, and the same ease of spirit as other African children.
Even after leaving, Travis, Danielle and I continued trying to sign everything we said (much to the annoyance of our teammates, I’m sure). We’re going back tomorrow to hang out with the students and learn more of the language, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that our nerves are gone! I can’t wait to teach AND learn from these awesome kids.
– Em
