Ministry of Gender and Family has commenced a Basic Sign Language Training targeted for the public service providers.
Speaking at the opening session of the training, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Aminath Shifana stated that the training aims to reduce the challenges in providing quality services for persons with hearing impairment and to ensure that everyone has equal access to services. She also highlighted that social service workers of the Ministry and investigation officers of Maldives Police Services had already completed the first batch of Basic Sign Language Training conducted by the Ministry at the beginning of this year, and noted that the Ministry plans to conduct similar programmes in the future.
A total of 54 staff from the Ministry and 20 police investigation officers were trained under the first batch of the programme, while 40 officials from various institutions are scheduled to be trained under the current programme. Participant agencies include Maldives Police Service, Maldives Immigration, Department of National Registration, STELCO, ADK, Family Court, Maldives Islamic Bank, Bank of Maldives, Ooredoo and Dhiraagu.
The 14-day programme aims to develop communication skills of the participants to interact with children and persons with hearing impairment, and facilitate easier access to services.
09 October 2017