Learning to sign a lifeline for refugees

Qali Abdille makes a triangle with her hands. She is learning how to say house in sign language.

The literacy and sign-language lessons Abdille attends four mornings a week in Christchurch with five deaf refugees are a lifeline.

Abdille, a deaf Somali, has learnt basic sign language to help her communicate.

The classes are being highlighted during New Zealand Sign Language Week.

Abdille, speaking through a sign-language interpreter, said she enjoyed the lessons.

"This is good. Learning sign language helps with communication," she said.

"I didn't understand anyone, but now I can."

Chandra Raj Karki, from Bhutan, started the lessons six months ago and has learnt useful skills.

"I have been learning the [sign-language] alphabet. I know the alphabet now. That helps me.

"It is also good learning how to write addresses," he said.

Support worker Sheree Currie, who is also deaf, said the lessons helped stop new refugees becoming isolated.

"There would be no point coming to New Zealand if we are not providing them with any education or help," she said.

English Language Partners Christchurch manager Joanna Biss said she hoped to get extra funding for more teacher support.

The number of students in the deaf class had doubled in the past six months and could double again over the next six months as new refugees arrived in the city, she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News