Talk Sign campaign raises funds
Buy your sticker and support the Talk Sign Campaign on 14 March.
THE Talk Sign campaign has been launched in KwaZulu-Natal to popularise South African Sign Language (SASL) and to raise funds through the sale of Talk Sign stickers.
The proceeds from this KZN Blind and Deaf Society project will be used to educate people who are deaf and, at a later stage, help them find employment.
According to the President of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, Justice Zak Yacoob, “It is a human right of every person who is deaf to be able to communicate – to understand others and to be understood. We all need to communicate with each other. Imagine how lonely it must be when you don’t understand what the people around you are saying and no-one understands what you are trying to say? This is how people who are deaf feel around those who don’t understand South African Sign Language (SASL).”
He said Sign Language should be made South Africa’s 12th official language, not only for people who are deaf but for everyone’s benefit.
Schools and corporates are encouraged to buy Talk Sign stickers for R10 each and wear these on Talk Sign Day, Friday, 14 March.
“We are also encouraging people to do an activity on Talk Sign Day to show support for people who are deaf,” said Shamila Surjoo, director of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society.
She said her staff, deaf clients and sign language interpreters were available to do a 20 minute interactive presentation at schools and businesses in the lead up to the day. During this presentation, five phrases will be taught in sign language – ‘hello’, ‘how are you’, ‘I am fine thank you’, ‘your name please’ and ‘my name is’.
Sign language alphabet cards will be distributed so that the learners and staff members can learn to sign their names using these cards.
To place an order for stickers to sell at school or work or to set up a presentation, contact Ellisha on 031 309 4991 or email ellisha@talksign.co.za
SMS ‘Talk Sign’ and your city to 36931 at a cost of R5. All profits will be donated to the Talk Sign campaign. Visit www.talksign.co.za
