The lack of understanding sign languages in Fiji has at times, frustrated the hearing impaired community as their means of communication is not understood by many.
This was one of the challenges shared at the launch of the Sign Language Interpreters Association of Fiji (SLIAF) held at the Tanoa Hotel in Suva yesterday.
The association’s board chairperson Claudette Wilson said the launching of this group hasn’t come easy as they had worked on it for about 20 years.
“For decades, Fijian interpreters have been the silent bridges between worlds,” she said.
“Ours is a story of love, sacrifice and unyielding advocacy from performing our duties in church pews to Parliament and today we honour that journey.
“As interpreters, we did not just translate words, we dismantled barriers and ensure access across the education sector, justice, media and the community.”
Sharing another challenge, Ms Wilson said interpreters, in the past worked voluntarily, driven by their passions.
“There were no formal training programs, the deaf community itself became our classrooms and we improved our skills by joining the deaf in their daily lives, attending camps, Bible studies, church and sports programs,” she said.
However, over the years of facing challenges, Ms Wilson said doors of opportunities opened up and members attended international conferences, workshops and meetings which resulted in the establishment of various groups.