BDA Gets Hi-Tech Boost

For many years we have been dreaming of having a well equipped computer lab at Bohol Deaf Academy.  Our attempts have been based on used computers that were outdated by the time we got them.  Even so we did the best with what we had but time, humidity, and heat are not kind to electronic at our school so that 90% of those old computers have totally died.

The Consuelo Foundation has come to the rescue with not only new computers but also a whole list of e-skills modules for teaching vocational skills.  This list of skills range from cooking to welding  . . .  from sewing to carpentry . . . . from electronic to landscaping.  The manner in which these courses are presented on computer provide our deaf students with individual, independent study allowing them to progress at their own rate.  Along with the computer e-skills training, the students are then put into actual environments such as kitchens, wood or metal shops, hotels, sewing rooms, etc., etc. to gain practice hands on experience.

CHECK OUT THE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

that took place on June 17th, 2011

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June Sixth Marks The

Beginning of a New School Year

Each May we survey the mountains on the islands of Bohol and Leyte for deaf children who have never been in school.  The survey only lasts a week and is carried out by the teachers.  This means they spend many hours riding on the back of motorcycles into the most remote mountain jungles in search of these children.  It is a big job to convince parent to bring there handicapped children down to school.

Not all the children found during the surveys will actually report to enroll in classes.  Although June 6 is the official day that the 2011 – 12 school year starts, many of the new enrollees will trickle in over a two to three week period.

From the priliminary reports from the eight elementary schools where IDEA supports classrooms for the Deaf, more than 60 children have entered our kindergarten classes last week.  It is expected that this number will grow over the next two weeks.

This means that our expected enrollment of deaf children in all grades will be over 450 students this school year.

Faces of New Prep Deaf Students

These are  just a few of the new prep deaf students who have just entered school for the first time in Maasin, Southern Leyte.  They come with almost no language skills.  This is true regardless if they are five years old like the boy on the left or 14 years old like the boy on the right.  They have a tough climb ahead of them but are so excited to have the chance to attend school.  IDEA is making this possible.

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Samaritan’s Purse Gifts

for IDEA Deaf Students

The gift giving was probably actually meant to happen in December of 2010 but a 40 foot shipping container full of  “Gifts in a Shoe Box” from Samaritan’s Purse got held up in Philippine Customs.  With the final release of the container van, we got a last minute notice that some of our deaf students could avail of these gifts during the second week of June.

Check out the video to see the fun the kids had opening the gifts.  Some of the stuff in the gifts was not age appropriate for our students but they were excited to share them with their younger brothers and sisters.

Also the children of IDEA’s married deaf couples got Samaritan’s Purse gifts during their Sunday School class out at the Tiptip Deaf Church.

Thank you Samaritan’s Purse.

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