By Sharon Doherty | Project Leader
With the school term of 2015-16 drawing to a close, students of Escuela de Educación Especial will find some extra time on their hands, away from studies during the summer months, to pursue other interests. Two such students, both young women, excitedly take on the responsibility of new work challenges during a few weeks outside the comfort and security of the school environment. San Miguel de Allende School for Special Education, supporting deaf and hearing impaired children and young adults, have partnered with professionals in the community to pass along marketable skills to the students. This training will enable students to eventually make their own way working independently once they have completed their studies. The challenges of learning new skills in the "hearing world" is a longer and more difficult path for those deaf and hearing impaired, however, these two young women face these challenges head on. We share with you their stories of strength and determination.
Gaby is 20 years old and working diligently to obtain her primary school certificate. Being deaf and spending her formative years in the Mexican public school system has put her very far back in her academic progress. Gaby, however, has always demonstrated amazing artistic talent during her young life. Over the past year she has been studying jewellery making under the capable guidance of volunteer instructors and local artisans. The volunteers recently commented "We are impressed with Gaby's abilities and her recent creations have shown great promise. This has been supported by the fact that her pieces have been popular items for purchase among visitors and supporters of EEE". These two professional artisans have offered Gaby an apprenticeship position in their jewellery studio during the summer months to assist them with stone setting and other more advanced jewellery making tasks. This opportunity will not only enhance Gaby's artistic and design skills but will also provide her a small income to help her family meet basic needs. Gaby is hopeful that she will have the opportunity to one day pursue a career in jewellery making. She has often mentioned through interpreters "My goal after I finish school is to find a job so I can help my family". This opportunity could well be the stepping stone Gaby needs to achieve her goal. We believe in you Gaby!
Azucena, 24 years old, is in her first year of high school studies at EEE. She and her sister Carla, also profoundly deaf and a preschool teacher at the school, are virtually inseparable. They have been working together over the past several months, with school and volunteer support, to build a cupcake making business of their own. You have likely read about Carla and Azucena's cupcake making activities in previous GG progress reports. In a recent conversation with the school's director Azucena shared "Although I love helping my sister with baking, my first love is cooking. I dream of someday being a chef". We had no idea! Armed with this new information, a partnership was established with a fine local restaurant owner and chef to offer training to Azucena in his kitchen, with the assistance of a Mexican Sign Language interpreter. She is now in her third week of training, learning and practicing many new culinary skills. Way to go Azucena! You are on your way to realizing your dream!
Please join us in helping empower these two young women, and others who are deaf or hearing impaired, realize their goals and live their dreams!
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