The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture’s Zonal Coordination 7 concluded the second edition of its Introduction, Awareness, and Management of Sign Language Workshop for teachers in the Loja district on March 24. The initiative aimed to promote inclusive education and support communication between teachers and students with hearing disabilities.
The workshop began on Feb. 4 and was organized into three groups with a total of 34 participants each. Over the course of 15 sessions, attendees engaged in both theoretical and practical activities focused on raising awareness, encouraging reflection, and practicing communication skills. The training covered fundamental aspects of sign language, recognition of the alphabet, and basic everyday signs used within schools.
Clara Jiménez Acaro, a beneficiary of the workshop, said: “We are grateful for creating these spaces that are important to foster good communication. As a blind person, I wondered if I could learn sign language, but the great work by the instructor showed us that nothing is impossible. It was a wonderful experience and I believe we should continue fostering these opportunities.”
Favio Villamizar, Zonal Coordinator 7 at this ministry, said that this initiative seeks tools to help teachers guarantee quality education without barriers. “When projects materialize it is because we are doing great work; this second edition fills us with joy because we continue promoting inclusive communication in educational institutions. We started as a pilot plan and today it is a reality,” Villamizar said.
The workshop was supported by Yuri Gonzales, an expert in intercultural inclusive education who shared her knowledge about sign language with participants. Attendees received certificates for completing thirty hours of training.
According to officials from the Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture, this effort reaffirms their commitment to advancing inclusive and participatory education for all members of the school community.
