KOKEGHOLO, Munda, Western Province — The Church Agency Network Disaster Operations (CANDO) in partnership with the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA),Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Island and with support from Deaf Association has successfully completed a five-day sign language training in Munda, Western Province.
The training was held at Kokegholo Education Hall from 28 September to 2 October 2026, bringing together 16 participants, including women, youth, church leaders and a representative of the mute and deaf community from Munda and Noro.
The aim of the training was to promote inclusion and protect the rights of deaf people by equipping participants with basic sign language skills to improve communication and accessibility in schools, health centres, churches and other community settings.
The training also aimed to encourage communities to recognise the rights of deaf people and ensure they can participate meaningfully in everyday activities and access essential services without communication barriers.
The training was funded through the Disaster READY project, support by the Australian Government and implemented by Church Agency Network Disaster Operation (CANDO).
Speaking during the training, Gayleen Sosopu Tingokera, a church and school representative from Baru SDA Church in Noro, said sign language is important in ensuring that deaf people are not left behind in education and religious activities.
“Deaf children can sit in a classroom but learn nothing if teachers cannot sign. Deaf members can sit in church but cannot pray or fully participate if the minister cannot use sign language”
“Sign language makes schools, communities and churches inclusive. communication is essential for ensuring deaf people can participate meaningfully in everyday life and enjoy the same opportunities as other community members,’’she said.
Another Female CANDO Volunteer from Munda, Georgina Alenge also highlighted the safety risks deaf people face when they cannot communicate with service providers, particularly when seeking medical assistance or travelling by sea.
“A deaf mother may be unable to explain that her child is sick at a health centre, while a deaf travelers may not understand safety instructions from ship crew members or shipping clerks’’
“Training health workers, seafarers, shop owners and telecommunications staff can help reduce these risks,” she said.
Meanwhile CANDO Coordinator Dominic Baona who coordinate the training acknowledge the Australian Government through the AHP Disaster Ready 2 Project for funding the training and United Church of Solomon Islands (UCSI) in Munda for providing the venue for the training.
“I would like to thank Australia Government for funding this training by helping us promote deaf people’s human rights in our community”
“This training was in line with the theme of this year’s International Sign Language Day: ‘Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,’’Mr Baona said.
The training represents an important step towards building more inclusive communities in Western Province, where deaf people can communicate more easily, access essential services and participate in family, church and community life with dignity and respect.
