Daniel Lim
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) through the Community Development Department (JAPEM) in collaboration with the National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP) organised a three-day sign language workshop in conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons at Kuala Belait Convention Hall. It is attended by 17 members from the Belait Senior Citizen Activity Centre (PKWE) and the village consultative councils in Belait District.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Cultural) at the MCYS Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah officiated the start of the workshop on Tuesday. She was welcomed by JAPEM Head of Senior Citizens and Pension Service Atiqah binti Ibrahim.
Atiqah said senior citizens play an important role in the society because of their knowledge and experience. She encouraged the elderly to seek knowledge as it can lead to a better lifestyle, both physically and mentally.
She said learning sign language proves that age is not a factor in acquiring new skills and it can improve communication with the hearing-impaired.
After the opening ceremony, there was a performance by senior citizens titled, ‘Importance of Sign Language Knowledge’. It was followed by the participants splitting into smaller groups to take part in activities.
The workshop concludes today.
