The Egyptian government and various institutions celebrated International Sign Language Day on Wednesday, under the slogan "Declaration of Human Rights for Persons who are Deaf". The event was organized by the Global Organization of Al-Azhar Alumni in cooperation with several entities. The ceremony included the graduation of the first batch of preachers qualified to communicate in sign language and the launch of "Rawaq Al-Sum". The initiative aims to provide religious and cultural content for the deaf and hard of hearing.
The Global Organization of Al-Azhar Alumni, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has launched a project to qualify and prepare preachers to use sign language. The project goes beyond learning signs to removing communication barriers and making knowledge and preaching accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing. Dr. Abbas Shuman, head of the Global Organization of Al-Azhar Alumni, emphasized that the celebration is not just an occasion but a message that confirms human value is not determined by physical abilities.
Dr. Shuman further explained that Islam does not consider hearing, sight, or physical strength as criteria for human value. Instead, it makes human dignity a fixed principle. He pointed out that disability may limit some means, but it should not limit ambition. The project has resulted in the graduation of a number of preachers who have acquired a new skill to communicate with the deaf.
The project also includes the launch of a platform to serve the deaf, providing them with religious, cultural, and scientific content. Dr. Shuman called for expanding the experience and preparing more preachers, preachers, and teachers capable of communicating in sign language. He emphasized that people with disabilities are partners in building society and can contribute to various fields of life according to their abilities and ambitions.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Duwaini, former Deputy of Al-Azhar, praised the efforts of the institutions participating in the project, represented by Al-Azhar, the Islamic Research Complex, the Global Organization of Al-Azhar Alumni, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and the Arkan Foundation for Sustainable Development. He explained that this cooperation has resulted in the graduation of a number of preachers who have acquired the skill of communicating with the deaf.
Al-Duwaini pointed out that mastering sign language enhances the ability of preachers to perform their mission and convey religious knowledge to various segments of society. He emphasized that this experience reflects the importance of institutional cooperation in serving society and confirms that conveying the religious message and knowledge to different groups requires preparing cadres that possess the appropriate communication tools.
The event witnessed the participation of several leaders of Al-Azhar and representatives of the participating entities. The initiative is a step towards providing knowledge and communication for people with disabilities, a shared responsibility among community institutions. The project aims to promote awareness and facilitate communication between people with different abilities.
Key points
- The launch of "Rawaq Al-Sum" and the graduation of the first batch of preachers qualified to communicate in sign language mark a significant step towards inclusion and accessibility in Egypt.
