Day 24: Going Deeper into the Deaf Culture

It's the 24th Day of my ICS Volunteering Journey. My counterpart and I went to the Mission for the Deaf for the usual Sunday gathering of the Deaf community. We also thought of joining the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Lessons but it was cancelled without notice because they will be having a turn over for the new sets of officers for the Deaf Awareness Week 2013.

The Deaf leaders from different organizations gather to
prepare for the Deaf Awareness Week

During the meeting, I noticed how necessary it is to have two secretaries. For us hearing, we can just write the meeting's minutes because we can hear them talking but for the Deaf, if they move their eyes focus to writing - it doesn't work at all. So, one will be focused on writing and one will be focused on listening (using their eyes). The experienced showed me how unique their culture is and another lesson on my book about the Deaf has been added.

From L-R: Karen and Jenette who went to Manila, shared
their experiences and learning's about Social Media

After the election, Karen and Jennette discussed what they have learned from the training they attended in Manila. It was more about doing advocacy using Social Media that included - blogs, Facebook, Twitter and Wordpress.

We were formally introduced to the CAD officers and members as the ICS volunteers who will be working with them for around 2 months. Later, we also announced that next week will be the Leadership Training Seminar. 

I am hoping that I get to know more these people and build friendships with them. Next week will be another opportunity to get closer with each other and I can only wish that we can share something that could be really useful for them even at a very short time.