Fiji Association of Deaf gets Australian aid
Jun 21, 2005, 14:00

The Fiji Association of the Deaf (FAD) is to produce a new Fiji Sign Language Dictionary with funding assistance from the Australian Government.

A grant of $61,000, under the Australian Civil Society Support Program (ACSSP), is being made available to FAD to ensure the Deaf community of Fiji has its own sign language dictionary with signs that are unique to Fiji.

This means that they will no longer have to rely on dictionaries, with different signs, from other countries.

In the process of producing the dictionary the Fiji Association of the Deaf will also organise interpreting courses which will give new skills to those who are working as interpreters.

The Australian Civil Society Support Program (ACSSP) aims to target civil society organisations to implement activities which help develop partnerships, increase people's awareness of rights and responsibilities and nurture participation in development and good governance.

The Australian Government has also assisted FAD through the Australian Volunteer Scheme by providing an expert, Ms Kate Nelson, to coordinate its Sign Language project.

FAD President Serevi Rokotuibau has welcomed the Australian assistance saying it will help FAD to grow as an organization, be recognised in the community and promote rights of the deaf people in Fiji.

-End-