Berea deaf learners take on young engineers programme

EDEAF, a Deaf-owned company in Berea that specialises in the employment and empowerment of the Deaf community, and local business coaching firm, ActionCOACH Ignite, recently announced the sponsorship of junior primary learners from Fulton School for the Deaf to take part in a Young Engineers programme in 2020.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Nicky Bezuidenhout, eDeaf marketing and communications manager, said: “There are very few Deaf adults in South Africa who are currently employed in the field of engineering. This is not because of a lack of interest, but rather lack of access at school level and beyond. Fulton School has an excellent reputation in KZN, and this pilot project has only affirmed our commitment to assist with funding.”

The Grade R to Grade 3 learners at the school will take part in the Big Builders school readiness programme through Young Engineers. This CAPS-aligned programme creates a solid learning foundation for future engineering as well as robotics and coding skills.

“Our primary focus at ActionCOACH is education and we are proud to be a part of making a meaningful contribution and difference in the lives of these young learners,” said Darryn Le Grange, owner of ActionCOACH Ignite.

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The Young Engineers programmes equip children with a 21st century skillset, empowering them with knowledge of science, maths, engineering and tech so that they may be very successful in meeting the challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

“It is so heart-warming to see all the ‘light bulb’ moments as children learn and explore new and challenging concepts, with enthusiasm. The insatiable love of learning is the most valued gift that these learners will receive,” said Debbie Gironi from Young Engineers Durban West.

Odette Swift, principal of Fulton School for the Deaf, believes that Deaf children can do anything, except hear. To this end, her vision is to be a school that ensures that Deaf children have the opportunity to enter any career path they choose, including the sciences.

“We believe that this sponsorship will be the beginning of greater opportunities for our Deaf learners,” she said.

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