The Education and Development for Special Needs Children Sierra Leone (EDeSNeC SL) is set to host its maiden Sign Language Symposium on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at Albert Academy School in Freetown.
The symposium, scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m., will bring together secondary school pupils, university students,teachers and other stakeholders to discuss the importance of sign language in promoting inclusive education and protecting the human rights of deaf people.
Held under the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights: Promoting Sign Language for Inclusive Education,” the event seeks to raise awareness about communication barriers faced by deaf people, particularly learners, in schools and other public institutions.
The initiative also aims to encourage greater understanding of sign language and promote an inclusive learning environment where deaf learners can participate meaningfully in educational activities without discrimination.
Through this initiative, EDeSNeC SL hopes to strengthen advocacy for sign language recognition, improve communication between the deaf and hearing communities, and encourage educational institutions to adopt more inclusive practices.
The symposium forms part of the organisation’s broader commitment to disability inclusion, human rights and equal access to education for children and young people with disabilities in Sierra Leone.
Members of the public, educational institutions, disability advocates and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to support efforts to promote sign language and inclusive education.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Venue: Albert Academy School, Freetown
Organiser: Education and Development for Special Needs Children Sierra Leone (EDeSNeC SL)
Theme: Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights: Promoting Sign Language for Inclusive education.
