Class opened for hearing-impaired children in Hanoi

This center opens the door to knowledge and lights up hope for children who have hearing loss.

A view of the class

In 2016, knowing that traditional education based on spoken language was unsuitable for their hearing-impaired children, a group of parents and hearing-impaired teachers joined hands to open class C5, then Center C5. With the motto “For the deaf, by the deaf,” it is the first institution in Vietnam where 100% of teachers are hearing-impaired and use sign language. Pham Anh Duy, the center’s director, explains that just as a child naturally learns language from family members, sign language is like “mother tongue” for hearing-impaired children. When taught by hearing-impaired teachers using sign language, knowledge is conveyed more accurately and effectively.

The program focuses on Math, Literature and soft skills. Accordingly, teachers design their own lesson plans, creatively combining videos, and interactive activities to help students better understand and absorb the lessons.

Phan Thanh Son, a student from Huong Lac commune, Lang Giang district, Bac Giang province, who has been studying at the Center C5 for four years, held that since the teachers are hearing-impaired like all students, they understand them very quickly. He hopes the center will expand to higher levels so he can continue studying.

After 9 years of operation with three graduating classes, there are still many challenges facing the center. It struggles with limited facilities and funding problems. Duy held that he wants to expand the center’s learning space and further provide better conditions for the children.

Above all, the center hopes that sign language will soon be officially recognized within the education system and legal framework, enabling hearing-impaired children to access higher education and integrate into society equally.

Translated by Minh Anh