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February 7, 2003

Deaf learners demand sign language inclusion in schools

From: SABC News, South Africa - 07 Feb 2003

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Deaf Federation of South Africa gets vocal about their plight

A group of deaf learners under the auspices of the Deaf Federation of South Africa (Deafsa) have marched to the office of Ngoako Ramathlodi, the Limpopo Premier, in Polokwane. The learners are demanding South African Sign language be recognised as an official subject in schools.

Charity Shikwambana, their spokesperson, says they also demand equal education for deaf learners.

Ike Thema, Limpopo Province manager in the Office on the Status of Disabled People, says the country has a shortage of sign language teachers. He says more sign language interpreters are needed to help students when they get to tertiary institutions.

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