Government Urged to Strengthen Sign Language Training for Teachers in Sierra Leone
Osman Tolo Sesay The Government of Sierra Leone has been urged to strengthen the teaching of sign language in teacher-training programmes and improve access to learning materials for Deaf children.
The call was made by veteran teacher Mrs. Marvel Kalokoh, who has spent 18 years teaching Deaf children, during a commemoration of the International Day of Sign Languages organised by the Beckma Empowerment Initiative (BEMI) on Wednesday.
Kalokoh said the continued reliance on English-only textbooks presents challenges for Deaf learners and can affect their ability to understand lessons and participate fully in the classroom.
She called on the government to incorporate sign language more effectively into teacher-training curricula and support the production of educational materials specifically designed for Deaf students.
Kalokoh also raised concerns about stigma and discrimination against Deaf children, stressing the need for greater care, acceptance and support to help them develop confidence and participate meaningfully in society.
The event, held under the theme “Our Hands, Our Voices, Our Rights,” brought together students, teachers, disability advocates and government representatives to discuss barriers affecting Deaf people and ways to promote inclusion.
Ivanson A. Kargbo, Programme Lead at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, said the Persons with Disability Act provides for free education for persons with disabilities. He said the Commission was working to ensure the provision is implemented, describing children with disabilities as “future leaders.”
Samantha Konneh, BEMI’s Head of Disability Inclusion, said sign language goes beyond communication, linking it to dignity, identity and equal participation. She called for environments that allow Deaf people to participate fully in everyday life.
Representatives from the school for the deaf and the Social Welfare Department also called for stronger collaboration among schools, government institutions and communities to address barriers affecting Deaf people.
BEMI Founder and Executive Director Manty Sulma Beckley said the commemoration provided an opportunity to highlight the rights and needs of Deaf children, stressing the importance of creating spaces where children with disabilities feel valued, supported and empowered.
The International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually on September 23 to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in advancing the rights of Deaf people.