Friends of the Deaf
Giving help and hope to the deaf in Guatemala
LAVOSI (Las Voces del Silencio)
Like so many, Chris Tackett came to La Antigua Guatemala to learn Spanish, but gradually Antigua, and a growing interest in the plight of the deaf here, lured him to become a full-time resident. He met Álvaro de León C. (a teacher of 30 years) and his son Álvaro who is deaf. Álvaro Jr. received a scholarship from USAID to study at Mount Aloysius College in the U.S. and has published volume I of his textbook Guatemalan Sign Language and is currently working on volumes II and III.
In June 2009, Álvaro Jr. and his father presented their idea to Chris about starting a local school for the deaf. In order to raise funds and awareness for Las Voces del Silencio (LAVOSI), Chris returned to the States to establish the non-profit Friends of the Deaf. Álvaro’s idea became a reality as a school in Antigua for hearing-impaired students opened its doors in January 2010.
Mission
The staff of five teachers is dedicated to helping children become happy, productive and respected citizens through encouragement, education and example. Freddy E. de León C. (also hearing impaired) is an extraordinary local artist who is setting a positive example at the school. Visiting teachers and artisans also provide new experiences for the students.
The Friends of the Deaf school strives to remind the general public that deafness doesn’t imply helplessness.
Current Projects
The 2010 curriculum includes technical classes, computer literacy, courses in baking and multi-media art, all of them offering potential career opportunities; plus standard elementary classes and practice in Guatemalan Sign Language.
Wish List
Our first wish is to be welcoming and open to the community of Antigua and to receive visitors and volunteers. Supplies to assist teachers as well as donations are always gratefully accepted.
For more information:
Friends of the Deaf (LAVOSI)
Valle de Santiago, No. 29-A
La Antigua Guatemala
Tel/fax: (502) 7832-5852
www.friendsofthedeaf.org
Hola Chris, Perhaps you remember me from time at Senora Olga’s home ( I came with my friend Ingrid). Well, I am returning in January with some more friends and I would like to suggest that all bring something for the school. Please let me know some things that would be useful for the students and teachers. Hasta la vista, Jan
Hi Jan, Great to hear from you! We can use any type of school supplies such as lined and plain paper, pencils, erasers, highlighters, glue, etc. Also, we are in constant need of art supplies such as art paper, brushes, paints, etc. Finally, we can use articles for the kitchen such as measuring cups, spoons, cookie sheets, cookie cutters, cake pans, etc. Thanks for thinking of us! See you in January, Chris
soy sordas puede testigo de jehova ayudar dar biblia enseñar sordas si o no cual quiere decide???