How We Started

HOW WE STARTED

It was in October of 2003 that the La Salle University School for the Deaf was officially opened. Previously, it was under the Community of Hope Special Education Center, Inc. (CHSEC), a non-government organization (NGO) which was administered by the Missionary Sisters of Saint Columban.
The CHSEC was formed as a response to the many needs of people with disabilities in Ozamiz City, Mindanao, Philippines. Since there was no basic education being provided for them, Sister Mary McManus, a Columban Sister, with student volunteers, began visiting them in their houses to extend tutorial services for stimulation. Due to the growth in numbers, the visiting to families become impossible. At the Columban Sisters’ request, the Diocesan Social Action Commission provided a room where the Deaf people could attend daily.



However, since it was not registered with the Department of Education, after a negotiation between the administration of La Salle University and the Columban Sisters it was agreed upon to transfer the Deaf students under the care of La Salle University.

VISION

La Salle University School for the Deaf is one of the programs of La Salle University – Ozamiz. It provides a quality Lasallian education to the less privileged differently-abled Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students. It envisions to be the catalyst for the social recognition and acceptance of all Deaf people as full and equal citizens, empowered to actualize their potentials by an active participation in the economic, social and cultural life of the community.

MISSION

The School for the Deaf is committed to provide with appropriate education, empower the Deaf and their families and create opportunities for the Deaf to engage in activities in the communities where they live.

OBJECTIVES

The School for the Deaf aims to: 1. improve the Deaf’s quality of life by providing appropriate education from preparatory, secondary and tertiary levels; 2. provide vocational and life skills training, sporting activities, artistic and creative activities; 3. empower the Deaf and their families so that they can advocate for their rights in the society; and 4. provide special services where the Deaf are welcomed, loved and cared.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

  1. Complete Basic Education: Preparatory, Elementary, and High School in multi-grade level self-contained set-up
  2. Post Secondary: 2-year Certificate in Computer Operation and Multimedia Technology
  3. Mass in Sign Language at the Local Catholic Church
  4. Sports
  5. Basic Sign Language classes
  6. Values Formation for the Deaf
  7. Deaf Counseling
  8. Alcohol and Drug Intervention Program for the Deaf
  9. Retreat for the Deaf
  10. Summer of Service Training
  11. Deaf Camp
  12. Home Visitation

ANNOUNCEMENT

La Salle University School for the Deaf Ozamiz City is now accepting Basic Education and Post Secondary Deaf students for academic year 2015-2016.

Preparatory: Kinder 1 and Kinder 2

Elementary: Grades 1 to 6

High School: Grades 7 to 10

College: 2-year Certificate in Computer Operation and Multimedia Technology

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Deaf Students’ Christmas Party 2014

It’s the yuletide season: a season of loving and a season of sharing. To celebrate the coming of Christ, people nowadays, Christians and even non-Christians, hold gatherings or a party. As a tradition, Filipinos hold gatherings not only with their families and relatives or friends but also in their workplace, church, school and other organizations they belong to. The Deaf Lasallians in Ozamiz City celebrated the Students’ Christmas party on December 18, 2014. It was started with a lantern parade and a Mesa de Gallo held in the Arts Center early that morning. Hours later, students in primary and secondary level in their respective school and classrooms namely, BMSLS, IS, NHS, and SFTD enthusiastically prepared for the party itself. Before I went to school, I was wondering what it would be like. I know it’s going to be different from last year and I’m sure that’s what the other students thought too. Surely, the younger students were more excited about receiving gifts and the foods. When I arrived in school, my classmates and schoolmates already started playing some parlor games in the care of Ms. Yamie Fiestada along with the other LSVP volunteers. Among the games played were Trip to Jerusalem, Newspaper dance and others. As I looked on to watch, I also met some of the alumni and old friends. There were also parents and visitors. After the fun games, we headed back to our classroom to continue the program hosted by Ms. Rosevie Samarista. There were short and cute dance presentations rendered by the elementary, high school and some college students then after that, we prayed for the abundant meal we had at the table. I can say that the deaf students were really disciplined and well-mannered because they formed an accordingly line. There were no pushing and shoving. The foods were really plenty so, the students came to the table to grab some more again and again. Shortly, our teachers in Science and Math arrived. They were entertained by Ma’am Marecel Aljo and Ma’am Sarah Talibong. After everyone was full, we started our exchanging gifts. It was also fun and filled with joy because we had to describe our manito and manita in a Filipino Sign Language (FSL) manner. Some students had the same manito from last year, some were best friends, some were ex-lovers and some were enemies but you see, that was overlooked because it’s a time for them to reconcile, make amends and have peace between them. After all, we should “Give love on Christmas day” right? When the students’ exchanging gifts was done, we also gave our volunteer teachers gifts as a sign of our gratitude towards them for willingly teaching us. The program was ended with a prayer by Mr. Franzlin Banua. The teachers and LSVP volunteers went to the Arts Center at noon for their Teachers’ Christmas Party-but that’s another story. While they were away, we started cleaning the classroom. When it was already cleaned, we exchanged hugs, goodbyes and warm greetings for Christmas. We’ll surely miss each other because we won’t meet again for the next 18 days. Some of us stayed for a while to catch up with some friends then went home safely. - Ana Dominique Amores Limbaring (Deaf Writer) –oOo-

1 comment:

Drew Watts said...

Hey, this Christmas Party looks so adorable. I am really glad to know about Deaf Students’ Christmas Party. Keep sharing such posts my friend! My daughter also hosted a grand outdoor Christmas bash at the prettiest party venues. We really enjoyed this party a lot!!f

Tingog sa mga Adunay Kabilinggan, July 24, 2011. Topic: Magna Carta for PWDs