Special teachers at Vo Hong Son Center for Children with Disabilities

Neither the teacher nor the students can hear or speak, but the atmosphere in the classroom is always lively thanks to special sounds and sign language.

Over the years, teaching assistant Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has become a bridge, helping many hearing-impaired children at Vo Hong Son Center for Children with Disabilities (Nghia Hanh Commune, Quang Ngai Province) to have favorable conditions in their studies.

Clip: Classroom of a special teacher at Vo Hong Son Center for Children with Disabilities. By: NGUYEN TRANG

Special Assistant Teacher

Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (31 years old, Khanh Cuong commune, Quang Ngai province) was born deaf and suffered many disadvantages compared to her peers. Her parents were farmers, the family had 5 siblings, and life was difficult for them. Among them, Ngan was the only deaf person.

Sharing through sign language, teacher Ngan recalled: “My mother took me to all the hospitals. The doctors said I was deaf. My mother patiently tried to teach me to speak, but I could not hear or speak. I knew my mother was very sad and heartbroken.”

Instead of backing down, Ngan chose the path of education. At the age of 8, her parents sent her to learn sign language in the former Binh Dinh province (now Gia Lai province). In 2016, Ngan came to the Vo Hong Son Center for Children with Disabilities - the place that helped her dream come true.

During her studies, Ngan discovered that she had a talent for making flowers, knitting, embroidering, and creating beautiful decorative items. Recognizing this ability, the Center created conditions for Ngan to learn embroidery during the summer. After only 2 months, she was proficient, turning threads into vivid products. From then on, Ngan officially became an assistant teacher at the Center's workshop.

In that special classroom, there was no sound of chalk falling, no loud lectures, but eyes and hands spoke instead. Teacher Ngan patiently stood beside, using sign language to guide her students. For her, this was not just a job, but also a joy and happiness when she was able to affirm her own value.

Ngan shared: “At first, because the children did not know how to sew, teaching required constant support and detailed instructions in sign language. Luckily, the children were very well-behaved and eager to learn, so it was easier for me to teach.”

Teaching assistant Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan instructs deaf students in sign language. Photo: NGUYEN TRANG

Dinh Pham Y Han (17 years old, Son Ky commune, Quang Ngai), also born deaf, said: “I really like Ms. Ngan. Thanks to her, I understand more about sign language and learned many knitting and embroidery skills.”

Sitting at the next table, Nguyen Bui Thao Linh (15 years old, Tu Nghia commune, Quang Ngai) attentively followed each of her hand movements. Linh excitedly said: "I am very happy to learn sewing. Before, I only knew how to watch, but now I have completed my first product by myself."

Kim Ngan expressed: "What I want most is to accompany children in similar situations to me, so that they feel supported, overcome their inferiority complex, persevere in their studies and integrate into the community."

Passion for the profession

Not only Ngan, there are many dedicated teachers at the Center. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao (29 years old), homeroom teacher of class 2 for the hearing impaired, is one of them. Although not disabled, with her love for her job and her students, she was determined to learn sign language to accompany the children.

Teacher Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, homeroom teacher of class 2 for the hearing impaired. Photo: NGUYEN TRANG

Class 2 for the deaf has 8 students. The learning space is quiet, with only the sound of books turning, pens rustling, and hands diligently signing.

Ms. Thanh Thao shared: “Unlike normal students, their learning journey is longer and more challenging. While general students only need one year to complete the first grade program, deaf students need two years, because they need to start from the simplest signs such as eating, going to school, greeting…”.

Graduating from Pham Van Dong University, Ms. Thanh Thao never thought that one day she would become a special education teacher. “When I first came to the Center, I knew nothing about sign language. Luckily, I learned quickly and had a knack for it, so I gradually became confident in teaching.”

Ms. Thao said: "I just hope you don't give up, because the path to knowledge is always open."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Director of Vo Hong Son Center for Children with Disabilities, shared: "What I am concerned about is how the Center can not only nurture the physical but also the souls and dreams of the children."

She emotionally recounted: “Many times when I came back to school, the children ran out happily and called me ‘Mom’. At that time, I was deeply moved, because I knew that love had touched their hearts.”

According to Ms. Thu Ha, the teaching staff here not only teach but also instill hope: “We know we cannot cure the physical defects of the children, but we believe that love and companionship will bring warm rays of light. I wish that one day in the near future, the children can be independent, have stable careers to build their lives and support the next generation.”

NGUYEN TRANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhung-co-giao-dac-biet-o-trung-tam-nuoi-day-tre-khuet-tat-vo-hong-son-post812813.html