Food fair to raise funds, promote awareness of society
KUCHING: In conjunction with International Deaf Day which falls on the last Sunday of September, Sarawak Society for the Deaf ( SSD) will host the International Deaf Day- cum- SSD Family Day Charity Food Fair on Sept 17.
The purpose of the event which will be held at the society’s premises at Lot 1862, Lorong Laksamana 8, off Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho ( behind Kuching SIB church) is not only to raise funds for the deaf community but also to promote awareness as well as introduce the deaf community to society.
It will give the public the opportunity to enter the silent world of the deaf and gain more understanding and experience about the deaf culture.
SSD is a non-profit charitable organisation which looks into the welfare of the deaf community in Sarawak as well as provides training for its deaf members.
In addition, the society also organises various activities and projects throughout the year for deaf members such as workshops, hands- on skill learning classes, talks, motivational camps and more.
These activities and projects give the deaf community the opportunity to improve their living skills and quality of life. As they are living in a silent world and sometimes have been marginalised by society, by improving themselves, they will be able to socialise and mix with the hearing community.
For many years, SSD has offered car wash training and hopes to attract more deaf people who want to learn skills such as cutting hair and tailoring.
Additionally, the society has been offering sign language courses to the public.
Currently there are two deaf sign language instructors teaching students from all walks of life in order to recruit more volunteers who are able to communicate with the deaf using sign language.
During the charity food fair, the public will also have the opportunity to meet the deaf and understand the differences between the so-called deaf culture and hearing culture.
SSD will also be showcasing the outstanding development of deaf people in Kuching, so that society can witness their accomplishments in different fields. There will be also deaf SSD members selling their handcraft and food, haircuts by Hairven Saloon, mini game stations, mobile karaoke truck, singing session and yoyo performances from Sports Club Yo-Blitz Kuching.
For more information, visit Sarawak Society for the Deaf Facebook page or call their hotline at 012- 8118260.