September 22, 2024 - Week 35

This week was the start of learning Jamaican Sign Language. Two deaf instructors from the Jamaica Association for the Deaf came to train us and it was a very educational experience. We learned about deaf culture, how to get deaf people's attention, and etiquette. Day 2 was a practical workshop and for the whole 2 hours, we were not allowed to talk using our vocal cords and that was a bit challenging.

For the rest of the week, the teachers and I practised signing to each other - sometimes mixing up a sign or two...but always having a lot of fun.

On Saturday, I had to enlist a friend to go hair shopping with me as the beauty teacher at school offered to do plaits for me. I had gotten quite overwhelmed by the types of synthetic hair pieces on offer...Heading into any Beauty/Hair shop in Jamaica is like entering a new dimension. I had never seen so many different types of hair creams/gels/shampoos, hair brushes, caps, fake hair etc.

To close off the week, I organized my monthly coffee network events. This time it was held at Raggamuffin (where DeafCan served coffee - a company that employs deaf employees) and 8 people turned up to my pleasure! The majority of new individuals who came were here in developmental capacities - in research, microlending and there was even a lady from the Japanese Embassy!