Deaf man wins great chance to study in US

AWARD WINNER: Krishneer Sen has been recognised with a study scholarship for his advocacy work for the deaf community.

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Being profoundly deaf hasn’t stopped Krishneer Sen becoming a mouthpiece for Fiji’s deaf community.

And now the New Lynn resident is being rewarded for it.

The 22-year-old Unitec graduate has won the World Deaf Leadership Scholar Award to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

"I had to pinch myself several times to know that I was really awake and not dreaming all of this," Krishneer says.

"I’m greatly privileged and humbled to be selected for the award and realise this is a big achievement for the deaf community of Fiji."

Krishneer was born deaf and raised in the small Fijian village of Korotogo in Sigatoka.

He has been credited for raising the profile of deaf students in Fiji and improving communication between students and their interpreters at his former secondary school, Marist Brothers High School, in Suva.

Krishneer moved to New Zealand to study for a certificate in information technology after experiencing the difficulties of learning with a disability in his homeland.

"My parents have always supported and encouraged me in all my personal and academic needs and aspirations," he says.

"Yes, I was born deaf but today I feel like a mouthpiece for the deaf community of Fiji."

He has worked with the deaf community in Auckland and says studying here has allowed him to become more independent and interact effectively with hearing people.

"I really appreciate the help of my sign language interpreters and my note-takers. They have helped me communicate with lecturers and students freely."

Krishneer plans to study for a bachelor of science degree in computer science at Gallaudet University starting in January.

"I really want to continue my work with the deaf community and I intend to become an IT teacher for deaf students."

Gallaudet is the only university in the world where all its programmes and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hearing impaired students.

- © Fairfax NZ News