By Norah Musega
Learners living with hearing impairment in Migori County are now appealing for special masks to aid their learning.
Learners who resumed face-to-face learning when schools reopened said they are affected by the face masks worn by their tutors since they sometimes refer to lip-reading besides signs.
“Most of us decode information by analyzing both sign language and lip-movement. This has not been easy since wearing of masks which is a compulsory requirement limits us from getting some messages,” said John Paul who is a student.
They, however, ask the government to give them transparent masks to help them decode messages clearly.
Millicent Akinyi, a Special Education instructor at BL’ Tezza Special school for the hearing impaired said they have had challenges communicating with the learners since their mouths are covered in masks.
“Some of the learners read and interpret lips but the use of masks has made it a tall order. I therefore, call on the government to put the needs of our learners into consideration,” said Akinyi.
Kuja School for the Deaf Secondary Principal Julius Nyerere said they have been forced to improvise due to limited time to prepare for the forthcoming national exams.
“We cannot wait for the government to heed to request of transparent face masks for the students but have to work with whatever is available to ensure we provide effective teaching services to the students,” said Nyerere.
While speaking to education news in his office Mr. Nyerere also expressed the need for parents to learn sign language through coronation with the respective teachers to enhance effective communication with their children back at home besides the government implementing the provision of transparent face masks to the tutors and learners.
