A fifteen-day certificate course on sign language with specific reference to Nagaland sign language was held at State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) conference hall in Kohima from October 28 to November 11.
According to SCERT, senior lecture, Daniel Thong Seb introduced the event and facilitated the release of the Sign Language module developed by SCERT, Nagaland, Kohima and DBM, Dimapur.
The module was released by Admin and co-founder of DBM, Dimapur, Amongla Walling, principal, DBM, Dimapur, Christina Walling, director SCERT, Nagaland, Kohima Kevirale-ü Kerhou and additional director SCERT, Nagaland, Kohima, Kerüüpfeü Rüpreo and senior lecturer SCERT, Daniel Thong Seb.
In her inaugural speech, director SCERT, Kohima, Kevirale-ü Kerhou welcomed the international trainers, including Christina Walling, Rebecca (USA), and Jaireen (Sikkim), Amongla Walling, Admin and co-founder DBM, Dimapur, along with the trainee officers from various educational bodies and NGOs.
She highlighted the Deaf Biblical Ministry (DBM), Dimapur significant contribution to Sign Language, noting their collaboration with SCERT in workshops over the years. She briefed on the newly developed Sign Language module, created jointly with DBM.
The certificate course, focusing on Nagaland Sign Language, was the first of its kind, with signs contributed by the deaf community, led by DBM. She acknowledged the NPE 2020’s emphasis on local sign languages and expressed hope for a successful course.
Principal DBM Dimapur, Christina Walling, emphasized the importance of using correct terminology when addressing deaf individuals.
At the valedictory program, Additional Director, SCERT Nagaland, Pekruzeto Kesiezie expressed gratitude to the controlling officers for deputing officers and teachers from NBSE, Samagrah Shiksha, Government and Private Schools, NGOs and officers from DIETs and SCERT.