Empowerment training for the deaf

Young deaf persons from various European countries attended a seminar entitled "Empowerment Training for Young Deaf Persons", which took place in Malta early last month.

The seminar was organised by the Deaf People Association of Malta in collaboration with the Maltese National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD) and carried out with the support of the European Community.

The eight organisations taking part were from Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Malta, together with the European Union of the Deaf Youth.

The objective behind this activity was to encourage participants to develop a positive sense of themselves while stimulating a positive political perspective on deaf liberation issues. This means that deaf persons realise that difficulties encountered in life are socially constructed rather than an effect of their impairment.

The activity programme included formal and informal meetings during which participants discussed issues related to their lives as deaf persons. The seminar also comprised leisure activities, enabling participants to get to know each other.

Each organisation delivered a brief presentation on the services specifically provided for deaf persons in respective countries. These presentations helped participants learn more about the way other countries deal with deaf issues, thus making them recognise similarities and differences.

One of the main highlights of the seminar was the meeting of the participants with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, during which subjects discussed included the need for more sign language interpreters in Malta.

The seminar also addressed the need of developing one's organisational, managerial and communication skills to maximise the work of their organisations.

Participants exchanged knowledge about their countries' cultures during an International Night with traditional dances, costumes and cuisine.

The seminar has also helped participants acquire new insights, skills and competencies. The ultimate goal is that these young leaders can eventually pass on this expertise to members of their respective associations, so that other deaf persons throughout Europe can be encouraged to carry on in their quest to combat discrimination, while promoting equality at all levels of society.

For more information visit www.knpd.org The Youth Programme can be accessed from www.youthmalta.org