By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU – In the move to increase accessibility and inclusivity, Lesotho College of Education (LCE) announces the addition of seven (7) sign language new interpreters to boost the existing human resources.
The interpreters will provide sign language interpretation for students and staff with hearing impairments, represent a significant investment in the college’s commitment to diversity and equality.
The collaboration between the LCE and National Association of the Deaf-Lesotho (NADL) is a significant milestone in the college’s efforts to create a more inclusive an accessible learning environment for students with the impairments. The partnerships underscores the school’s commitment to diversity and equity, as well as its dedication to providing a high-quality education for all students, regardless to their abilities.
LCE Rector Dr. Moeketsi Letele states that they face a challenge of limited learning material, and finances but with this milestone of collaboration they aim in quality education either deaf students or stuff as a country has adopted the inclusive education. This partnership is of trust, humanity and care to equality in education.
That is a powerful statement from Language Lecturer at NUL, Dr. Litšepiso Matlosa. The government’s role in supporting education is crucial, and it is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by deaf people. While the partnership between NADL and CBL represents a positive step forward, it also highlights the ongoing challenges that exist in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in education.
Despite its long history and widespread use, she says sign language has often been marginalized and over-looked. This lack of recognition of sign language make it difficult for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to fully participate in education and other aspects of society.
While sign language is not yet recognized as an official language in Lesotho, the government has made strides in promoting inclusive education. Mrs. Malehloenya Nkhasi from Special Education in the Ministry of Education and Training pointed to the Inclusive Education Policy of 2018 as a key example of this effort.
That is valuable insight into the pillars of the Inclusive Education Policy which highlights adjustment and modification, collaboration with other organizations and removal of barriers of attitude in the educational sector.
These pillars highlight the need for systemic changes and cooperation to ensure that all students, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing, have equal access to education.
The seven new interpreters, who are all highly trained and experienced professionals, will be embedded in various departments and programs through the college, ensuring that deaf and hard of hearing students have equal access to the college’s academic, social and cultural offerings. The addition of the interpreters also aligns with the college’s strategic plan, which emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of campus life.
The Youth Apprenticeship Programme “Masupa- Tsela” [U1] which is spearheaded by the Office of the Right Honorable Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, aims to provide young people with valuable work experience and training opportunities. As part of this program, the seven interpreters will serve as mentors and role models for deaf and hard of hearing students, helping to break down communication barriers and promote inclusion and accessibility.
The addition of the interpreters is just one example of the College of Education’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With this important step forward, the college is poised to become a leader in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in higher education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
To formalize the partnership, representatives from the NADL and the LCE for the upcoming academic year in August 2024 to celebrate the beginning of their collaboration and discuss future opportunities for cooperation. The discussions will still continue to ensure the readiness to explore the future partnership aiming towards the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The ceremony is seen as a positive first step towards the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding, which outlines the shared goals and commitments of both organizations in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in education.
As part of the partnership, the College is committed to incorporating sign language skills into its teacher training programs, both for pre-service and in-service teachers. This initiative will ensure that all teachers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate with deaf and hard of hearing students, promoting greater understanding and inclusivity in the classroom.
NADL Chairperson Letšekha Ntale advices Lesotho government to make sign language official because deaf people deserve to be educated. He is happy about this collaboration as LCE is the second institute to employ the sign language interpreters.
Overall, the partnership represents a significant step forward in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in higher education. By breaking down communication barriers and investing in teacher training programs, both organizations are working together to create a more equitable and welcoming learning environment for all students.
LCE emphasizes that as it is a leading institute with a high commitment to strive to prepare educators who can make a positive impact on the lives of all students regardless their background. Aiming to provide quality education to the entire community and ensuring inclusion of students with disabilities through inclusive environment where all students can succeed an also play a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of inclusive education.
It also promote a culture of acceptance and understanding of diversity an inclusive. This effort will ultimately benefit hearing-impaired students from the early childhood level up to the secondary education level in the country by ensuring that they receive the high- quality education and support. LCE Registrar, Mrs. Marethabile Khanyane concludes by stating that for 2024/25 four deaf students will enroll in the academics unlike the past years where one deaf- student enrolled in the school.
[U1]Provide contact person and details for more info on this programme