Team Herald
MARGAO: Their hearing impairment notwithstanding, 45 young children and adolescents got ready to break the barriers by getting imbibed with necessary skills to take up the mantle of leadership in future.
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The Goa Deaf Association (GAD), in a pioneering initiative, recently held the ‘1st Leadership Camp for Deaf Students’, the first of its kind initiative in Goa, which was aimed at fostering leadership skills, self-responsibility and educational awareness among deaf children aged 10 to 17.
Organised in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare (DSW), the camp brought together 45 deaf students representing four special schools: Lokvishwas Pratishthan School for Hearing Impairment Children (Ponda), Sanjay Centre for Special Education (Porvorim), St Xavier’s Academy for Special Education (Old Goa), and Gujarati Samaj Educational Trust for Special Education (Margao). Students from the Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language programme at AYJNISHD (D), Goa University Campus, also actively participated, adding a unique dimension to the event.
The camp held from November 22-23 at Shree Anant Chhaya, Joshi House, Khadki, Valpoi, featured enriching sessions and activities designed to develop essential skills.
Sadiya Bandodkar led engaging art activities; Lakhan Anandani conducted sessions on communication skills; Rahul Kunkolienkar facilitated ISL storytelling and games and Prasad Joshi organised leadership and team-building activities.
These sessions provided a perfect blend of fun and learning, promoting collaboration and self-confidence among participants.
The event was graced by various dignitaries such as Ajit Panchwadkar, DSW Director; Peter Borges, Founder of Human Touch Foundation and Assistant Professor at Goa University; Raghunath Joshi, the camp host; Gaurish Malgaonkar, President of GAD; and Prasad Joshi, Founder and General Secretary of GAD.
Reflecting on the camp’s success, Joshi, “This camp represents a significant step towards empowering our Deaf youth, providing them with the skills and confidence to lead and inspire.”
Chief Guest Panchwadkar emphasised on the importance of such efforts, stating, “Supporting initiatives like this camp is crucial in our mission to create an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”
Sharing his experience, one of the participants said, “This camp has been a transformative experience, allowing me to connect with peers and develop leadership skills that I will carry forward.”
The camp concluded on November 24 after two days of intensive learning, teamwork, and inspiration. Building on this success, GAD announced plans to host a second leadership camp for hearing impaired students and adults in the near future.
“This event highlights our commitment to foster leadership and inclusivity, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for the community, ” the GAD said.
