The YDF Hall in Thimphu came alive today with laughter, music, and the vibrant spirit of inclusion as the Disabled People’s Organisation of Bhutan and the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf hosted a fundraising event. This is to mark the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages.
From eleven in the morning, the balcony of the hall buzzed with food stalls run by the members of the Deaf community. Visitors lined up for steaming dumplings and snacks prepared by the members.
“For the Deaf Week, I woke up early in the morning, cooked, and prepared food for our stall. I made momos, and many people came by. They bought some, and I am happy,” said Tshering Choden, Thimphu Deaf Community.
Further, games such as dart, balloon shooting, ball toss and many more were prepared by the Deaf community and kept the visitors engaged.
The one-day programme, priced at Nu 200 per ticket, aimed at raising funds and raising awareness of Deaf culture. It also highlighted the abilities of Bhutan’s Deaf community.
Volunteers from various colleges and organisations such as YPEER, students from Service with Care and Compassion Initiative or SCCI Plus clubs in Paro, and the College of Natural Resources joined the event.
“To be honest, we haven’t been able to do much. However, we have contributed by selling tickets, preparing food and setting up game stalls. Additionally, many youth volunteers are helping in their own little ways, demonstrating unity and inclusivity,” said Dawa Penjor, Volunteer, SCCI+ Club, PCE.
An interpreter highlighted the challenges in the Bhutanese Deaf community, such as limited access to tertiary education, a lack of workplace opportunities, and communication barriers in public services.
“When we make it inclusive for the Deaf, it is always about the language. When communities speak the same language, we can break that barrier. Another thing is that we need to make places like colleges, schools, and other services accessible for deaf people,” said Sushila Gurung, Interpreter, Deaf Organisation of Bhutan.
A participant highlighted what he believed would make the biggest difference.
“The support we need most is empowerment, and we hope that the deaf organisation in Bhutan will become an independent and strong one day,” said Tshering Dhendup, Participant, Thimphu Deaf Community.
The day-long celebration culminated in a live fundraising concert in the evening.
In Bhutan, with around 960 individuals, it is estimated that more than two per cent of the population has some form of hearing loss.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Kipchu
