During the certificates awarding ceremonies. Photo: All Rights Reserved
The ANSB (Association Nationale des Sourds du Burundi) in collaboration with the Association Vision Sign Language Solution-AVLS, funded by the United States Embassy in Burundi, awarded certificates on November 3, 2023 to 26 out of 32 doctors and nurses who followed a three-month training of how to communicate in sign language which is commonly used by deaf people.
The ceremonies took place within the Kamenge University Hospital Center (King Khaled Hospital). They were attended by the Public Affairs Officer of the United States Embassy in Burundi, Karin Ehlert. Director of the Kamenge University Hospital Center (King Khaled Hospital) indicated that this training was very important because it would contribute to the welcoming and treatment of deaf patients.
The Public Affairs Officer of the United States Embassy in Burundi Karin Ehlert congratulated the organizers of this training and encouraged the trainees who received certificates and those who have not yet enrolled to this training to learn well sign language. “I thank you very much for your courage and diligence which marked your learning of this sign language. Although it is difficult to learn, please continue, communicate with people who use it to master it further», she says.
The trainer in the sign language, Jean Chris Kamenyero, congratulated the trainees and requested them to continue to learn it better.“We take this opportunity to ask the United States Embassy in Burundi which funded these training, to continue funding other related trainings so that even other hospitals can benefit from sign language training.”
The nurse Jeannette Twagirayezu, one of those who participated in this training, concluded saying that this training was organized timely. “I often work in pediatrics. If I receive deaf persons, it will be easy for me to communicate and treat them.»
