Spark Rivonia High School celebrates deaf awareness and heritage months
From traditional attire to signed poetry, learners at Spark Rivonia High School embraced their heritage, while bridging communication gaps through South African Sign Language.
In a heartwarming display of unity and inclusion, Spark Rivonia High School celebrated the International Week of Deaf People on September 26, while also commemorating heritage month.
Read more: Bryanston Primary turns Heritage Day into a celebration of giving
The school community came together in their traditional attire, representing the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa, and honoured the deaf community through a range of creative sign language activities.
Learners and staff immersed themselves in the dual celebration, signing songs, performing short poems, and presenting excerpts from English literature using South African sign language (SASL).
The initiative, led by Lindiwe Tembe, the school’s passionate SASL teacher, highlighted Spark Rivonia’s commitment to inclusivity, and the celebration of diverse identities within the school.
“Our school practises inclusivity by teaching our scholars and equipping them with the beautiful skill of signing,” said Tembe.“Since SASL was recognised as the 12th official language, it called for more people to learn and be able to communicate, bridging the gap between the speaking and the deaf community.”
Also read: Empowering deaf youth for a future of employment and success
Tembe explained how transformative it has been to teach SASL in a traditionally speaking school. “It’s been a wonderful experience, a beautiful journey. Usually, SASL is only taught in deaf schools, but bringing it to a speaking environment has been eye-opening, and deeply rewarding.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: In a heartwarming display of unity and inclusion, Spark Rivonia High School celebrated the International Week of Deaf People on September 26, while also commemorating heritage month. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Heritagemonth #deaf ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Learners have embraced the language enthusiastically, with many learning to sign daily creeds, songs, and poems. Some are even exploring book chapters in SASL, as part of their literature studies this term.
According to Tembe, the approach is simple, but impactful. “It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. One sign a day, two signs a week, and by the end of the year, we could have fluently signing scholars.”
On this particular Friday, the celebration was twofold. Students and staff proudly wore traditional clothing from Zulu, Tswana, Xhosa, Ndebele, and more cultures, symbolising South Africa’s rich cultural mosaic.
“Today was a very special day,” said Tembe, beaming in her multi-cultural outfit. “I’m Tswana, but there’s Zulu here and deaf, all cultures represented. It’s a beautiful Friday.”
Spark Rivonia’s event not only raised awareness about the deaf community and the importance of SASL; it fostered pride in cultural heritage, aligning with the national observance of heritage month. “It’s beautiful, the practice of inclusivity in our school. It’s wonderful. Happy deaf awareness month.”
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