On the 11th of June 2023, the John Science and Technology Exposition Center (SciTec) hosted the SpeakingFingers Deaf Ambassadors, focusing on motivating and supporting the ambassadors in science and technology, gather their opinions and considerations for the upcoming SpeakingFingers Deaf Teens Summer Camp. The event was opened by Mrs. Treasures Uchegbu, with 45 persons in attendance.
ARRIVAL OF GUESTS/REGISTRATION:
The guests arrived at the event and were warmly welcomed by Engr Olapade Michael of SciTec, Host Organisation and Mrs Uchegbu of SpeakingFingers.
Photographs were taken upon their arrival, and they were then escorted to their designated seats based on the pre-arranged seating plan. Following this, SpeakingFingers Learning Mentor Miss Victoria Alatise handled the registration process and Professional Interpretion in Sign language.
NATIONAL ANTHEM:
The national anthem was led and performed by some of the ambassadors, including Mmesoma, Toheeb, Tobi, and Emerald. All attendees stood up to honor the anthem.
WELCOME ADDRESS:
Mrs Treasures delivered the welcoming address, expressing her gratitude to all attendees for making the effort to attend the event despite the challenges in reaching the venue. She also extended her thanks to the host.
OPENING REMARKS:
The opening remarks were given by the SciTec County Director – Engr Michael Olapade, who welcomed everyone and expressed his joy. He elaborated on SciTec’s goals and objectives, which involve engaging and involving teens in science and technology.
Daddy Omotayo, Lead, SpeakingFingers Proud Family Forum (PFF) was invited to give a speech on communication and encouraged parents and family members to actively participate in their children’s lives. Other speakers, SpeakingFingers Board, Mrs. Lola Joseph, and PFF Team Members Mrs. Fabowale, Mr Adeleke, Mrs Ofili, Mrs. Orogun, Mrs. Paul, Mrs Nkeruwem and other parents also shared their insights.
They all expressed gratitude and encouraged parents to listen to the Ambassadors, emphasizing the pride they should have in their children. Mrs. Orogun volunteered to support the ambassadors’ spiritual development, and Mrs. Yorere- Michael concluded her speech with a prayer, highlighting the Ambassadors’ talents.
SPECIAL GOODWILL AND PERFORMANCE:
Proprietors and Leadership of The Christ Light Special Mission For The Deaf School gave a special Goodwill Message with a performed captivating choreography presentation that received a lot of love and applause from the audience.
DOCUMENTARY:
A video featuring Rebecca I-CAN was shown. It highlighted the story of a young Deaf lady with remarkable skills, who explained how SpeakingFingers had supported her and expressed her desire for hearing -impaired individuals to be given opportunities.
The video screened, as remarked by Mrs Treasures showcased the essence of SpeakingFingers LifeWorkReady Program and its vision to provide Life long learning skills, exposure and opportunities for Deaf Adolescents and Youths towards their rproductive responsible adulthood. Mrs. Treasures provided further context, discussing the organization’s direction and the need for support in providing the ambassadors with essential skills. The video was produced by Versimedia and premiered at the United Nations Information Centre.
SPECIAL SIGN LANGUAGE POETRY PRESENTATION:
SpeakingFingers Deaf Ambassador Ruth Mfon Edem was invited on stage to present a poem titled “Courage” in Sign Language – a key highlight of the Peom is how through courage other young Deaf Ambassadors like her can fulfill and harness their innate God given potential.
VIRTUAL VIDEO CALL TO PRESIDENT, SCITEC:
A video call was made to the SciTec’s President, Mr. John Popo olapade who with tears expressed his profound joy at the day’s landmark event, staring his continued support for the development of young people in science and technology in accordance with SciTec’s vision especially with young persons with disabilities and the Inclusion of the SpeakingFingers Deaf Ambassadors respectively.
An official announcement, presentation of the annual SpeakingFingers Deaf Teens Summer Camp 2023 holding August 6th to 13th was made with a video showcasing the previous camp was presented.
COMMENDATION SPEECH:
Mr. Michael Olapade in his commendation speech reiterated the mission and purpose of SciTec as a non-governmental organization focused on engaging young people, including those with disabilities, in science and technology. He urged parents to encourage and support their children likewise, and emphasized SciTec’s commitment to adopt SpeakingFingers Deaf Ambassadors into it’s intervention and involvement at this year’s DTSCamp2023.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS and COMMENTS
Mrs. Treasures then opened the floor for questions, and Ambassador Christopher and audience asked questions about SciTec’s operations, which Mr. Olapade elaborated on.
PRESENTATION OF GIFTS:
SpeakingFingers presented the UN Commemorative Calender to SciTec’s Country Director with specific mention of the UN International Day of Sign Language, along with DTSCamp2022 Awardees Amb Sodiq Kuye, Ruth Edem, Board and PFF Leadership.
REFRESHMENTS/GROUP PHOTOS:
Refreshments were provided by Miss Debbie, Caterer for the day who pledged her continued support for the Deaf Community as one with lived experience of Her Deaf Brother Following the refreshments, group Photos in SciTec Branded T-shirts and face caps were taken to commemorate and capture all the attendees at the event.
VOTE OF THANKS AND CLOSING:
Mrs Lola Joseph led the House to a vivacious Birthday prayers, song and dance rendition in honor of SpeakingFingers Convener CEO Mrs Treasures with a vote of thanks to SciTec for the invitation members of the Proud Parents Forum and everyone respectively.
The event closed on a note of thanksgiving to God and heartfelt prayers lead by Daddy Apeh of the Christ Light Special Mission For The Deaf at 2.37pm.
Mrs Lola Joseph led the House to a vivacious Birthday prayers, song and dance rendition in honor of SpeakingFingers Convener CEO Mrs Treasures with a vote of thanks to SciTec for the invitation members of the Proud Parents Forum and everyone respectively.
The event closed on a note of thanksgiving to God and heartfelt prayers lead by Daddy Apeh of the Christ Light Special Mission For The Deaf at 2.37pm.
