How do you keep your heart soft?
How do you keep your heart soft? That’s the title of Natascha van Weezel’s much-discussed and relevant book. She makes a plea about the “radical center in times of war,” specifically regarding Gaza and the conflict between Israël and the Palestines. Often, these past few months, the thought crossed my mind: “What would Brother Andrew – may God bless his […]
Black, red and white hearts at the summer camps
Last summer, two camps for the Deaf were held again, organized by Peace Dove for the Deaf. The camp in Egypt lasted five days, the Jordanian camp lasted one day. The theme was about three types of hearts: black, red, and white. The Deaf people understood director Sahel’s explanation very well. The hotel was located in the Egyptian […]
Sign Language Grammar Training
The grammar training was well attended. In September the Dutch Bernadet, a linguist involved in the Jordanian Sign Language dictionary project, provided a one-day training course on sign language grammar. The request came from the Jordanian Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disability (HCD). This government agency is developing a comprehensive multi-year plan to improve Deaf […]
Sign language course in secondary education
In August, Ahlam conducted two sign language training sessions for 23 teachers from Al Amal Secondary School in Madaba and Naour. The initiative was launched by the HCD, which aims to improve communication through its “Sign Language Awareness (Level Two)” training program. The program covered basic sign language principles and specialized academic vocabulary, as well as sign language classroom management and managing […]
Online dictionary with pictures
SooSL, the online dictionary of Jordanian Sign Language, now includes approximately 6,500 signs. This is a significant achievement from Ahlam and her team. In addition to the more than 1,000 example sentences that have been added, hundreds of pictures are now included, further enhancing the understandability of the signs. The sign for “coffee” now also has an image. […]
Preparations for setting up interpreter training
The HCD is developing a proposal to offer a one-year program for interpreters and teachers of Jordanian Sign Language at one of the universities in Jordan, consisting of 300 instructional hours. In February 2024, HCD representatives visited the Netherlands for an exchange program. Contacts are also being made with educational institutions in the Netherlands to ensure the necessary knowledge can […]
Just be grateful…
Dear reader,On October 1, 2020, three years ago today, Brother Andrew passed away. The Carpenter’s Son Foundation became orphaned. Normally you would celebrate someone’s birthday, but now we reflect on the anniversary of his death. The loss remains, although the edges seem to be dulling. Time fogs up the memory and perhaps makes it more bearable? Or is […]
Summer camp for Deaf in Egypt: “Again next year? Pray for it!”
n July, Peace Dove for the Deaf held its first summer camp in Egypt. About 60 participants spent 6 days in Alexandria
Saturday, November 28: Online memorial Brother Andrew
‘A Sign from Above’: an online gathering about Brother Andrew’s life and legacy ‘A Sign from Above’. Under this heading we want to commemorate Brother Andrew during an online gathering on Saturday, November 28. We take the time to let family and friends have their say, give a glimpse into his exceptional life as ‘errand […]
Brother Andrew passed away
Dear all, Deeply saddened, we announce that Brother Andrew died on Thursday, October 1 at the age of 71, as a result of an accident during his construction work. Together with his assistant Majd, he fell through an old balcony and died shortly afterwards. Majd was taken to the hospital seriously injured. Our thoughts go […]