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Miss Deaf World and Deaf Conference - the most amazing experience for me! |07 August 2015

 

 

 

 

Miss Deaf Seychelles Melita Gilbert who recently took part in the Miss Deaf World beauty pageant in Prague and the XVII World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf in Istanbul said these were the most amazing experience for her.

Miss Gilbert was accompanied at the two events by the chairperson of the Association of People with Hearing Impairment (Aphi) Anita Gardner.

“I enjoyed the pageant very much; even if I did not win I have made many friends. After the competition I also took part in the international fashion shows organised in two different towns outside Prague where I paraded in our traditional costumes,” Miss Gilbert recounted.

“The World Deaf congress in Turkey was something else! And the most amazing experience for me!

It was the first time I met so many deaf people like myself. I had the privilege to observe the deaf youths in action during the  youth congress and was amazed to see young deaf people so intelligent and full of confidence. When I saw all the deaf experts I could not believe that deaf people were of such status, all with PhDs and with university degrees,” Miss Gilbert said with amazement.

She recalled that she kept asking Mrs Gardner if those people were really deaf but meeting some of them confirmed they were really deaf.

“I had some interesting exchanges with them, they really encouraged me to be strong and to help in my community. I understand now what Mrs Gardner really means when she continuously tells us that it is only when you travel the world that your mind opens! This experience I will never forget!” Miss Gilbert pointed out.

“Miss Gilbert did her most at the Miss Deaf World pageant  and I feel that she is  now more confident,” Mrs Gardner said.

“After representing Seychelles at the Miss Deaf World  pageant in Prague from July 13 to 23 Miss Gilbert accompanied me to Istanbul where she was able to observe the World Deaf youth congress held between July 28 to August 1,” Mrs Gardner said.

Miss Gilbert and Mrs Gardner were among the 1312 delegates at the congress.

“I am glad that Miss Gilbert appreciated this experience of the world conference and I hope that she becomes a future leader in her community,” Mrs Gardner stressed.

As the chairperson of Aphi Mrs Gardner says she tries to attend most world conferences and international meetings which discuss issues that touch deaf people as these events are the only platform where she is able to meet deaf experts.

“As Miss Gilbert stated most experts at the congress were deaf people themselves. I am able to enhance my knowledge on deaf issues and really enter the great minds of deaf people and see through their eyes how they see our world and how they wish to enjoy all human rights  as people with good hearing faculties,” Mrs Gardner pointed out.

She said the presentations at the conference covered a multitude of topics such as human rights for deaf people, interpreting and sign language work, deaf women and children, the use of technology and deaf education, among others.

She added that Article 24 on the UN convention regarding inclusion for deaf students in education was covered thoroughly as it was noted that most governments did not understand this article and as a result we saw that many policies being drafted ignore the most important aspect touching deaf people which is sign language and deaf culture.

“I was happy to learn that World for the Deaf (WFD) will soon be making a statement with regard to this issue. It was clear that governments need to listen to deaf people and this can be done only when deaf people are included in policy and decision-making concerning them,” Mrs Gardner reiterated.

She said the Aphi will be inviting government officials during Deaf Week activities in November to encourage them to listen to deaf people because no policy for deaf people without deaf people will be accepted.

Mrs Gardner took the opportunity to thank everyone and all who have contributed towards the Miss Deaf World pageant as well as Aphi participation in  the World Deaf Congress.

“Thank you for believing in deaf people and supporting them,” she said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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