Training is underway! Our 2012 intern team is undergoing their first training this week in preparation for their summer in Ghana. We have an incredible group of interns this year and look forward to having each and every one of them joining us this year!
Four years ago Signs of Hope Intl took the Signing Time Foundation to visit the schools for the deaf in Ghana, West Africa. Early this January we had the privilege of having them join us on another 10 day journey touring the schools and teaching in the classrooms.
More details and pictures to come soon!
Signs of Hope International is excited to announce the 2012 volunteer missions to Ghana! The upcoming year we will be running two separate programs for those knowledgeable in American Sign Language. The first program is an interpreting program in partnership with Winneba University running from February to April. The second program is a opportunity to volunteer at schools for the deaf from May to July. Basic details are outlined below for the different programs. Please inform your students at any level of these opportunities to use their current skills and improve/learn new signing skills.
Interpreting at Winneba University, Ghana, West Africa
We have partnered with Winneba University to create the first ever interpreting services to the deaf college students. While in Ghana you will be assigned a specific class schedule to interpret in a partnership with another interpreter. You will also have the opportunity to assist in training local individuals within the college interested in becoming interpreters themselves. All interpreters will be overseen by a US and Ghanaian coordinator to ensure accurate interpretation and various skill building opportunities. Check with your Interpreter Training Program (ITP) to ensure you receive credit for your practicum assignment. Signs of Hope Intl. has worked with ITP programs and students ensuring credit is awarded and information on progress is communicated back to the respected ITP program director.
Volunteer in a School for the Deaf, Ghana, West Africa
Schools for the Deaf in Ghana are overwhelmed by the number of students and lack of teachers. Volunteers at the schools will have the opportunity to assist in a variety of capacities ranging from service in elementary schools teaching basic numbers, counting and name recognition to in depth science and English classes in the High schools. Volunteers will have an opportunity to select where they feel they would be most effective and will complete a series of online trainings to ensure effectiveness. School volunteers will also travel with a group and be overseen by both a US and Ghanaian site coordinator. School volunteers will be in Ghana from mid-May through mid-July.
Applications, deadlines (December 5, 2011) and other information can be found on the Signs of Hope International website or by calling 866-511-7644.
Thank you for your continued support.
Every day thousands of children in Africa wander the streets in isolation. Instead of learning to read, write and interact, they’re struggling to teach themselves how to survive in a world of quiet desperation.
These children are deaf.
And they need a voice.
There are more than 400,000 deaf people in Ghana, West Africa—some due to heredity, others to disease. In a country of nearly 22 million, that’s two percent of the population.
In villages throughout the country, deaf children are left without hope for an education. While families are forced to choose between eating or paying school fees, many eager children miss their opportunity to learn. A cycle of loneliness and self-doubt ensues.
With your help, Signs of Hope International can break the cycle. Help us give the deaf a voice by giving them an education. This singular act has the power to dramatically change lives.
Because education changes everything.
Curry Jones, founder
