Giving help and hope to the deaf in Guatemala!
Friends of the Deaf, officially known as the Friends of People with Auditory Deficiencies , is dedicated to improving the lives of people with auditory deficiencies through our support of Las Voces del Silencio (LAVOSI). LAVOSI is an educational project for the deaf in Guatemala utilizing the Guatemalan Sign Language in all its classes. LAVOSI ; "where the voiceless have a voice and a choice!"
Looking for an opportunity to make a difference!
“Friends of the Deaf” wants YOU!
“Friends of the Deaf” is currently looking for an Executive Director. We need someone with the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to make our organization even stronger and better!
This position is new, and “non-paying” at the moment, but this change according to the abilities of our new Executive Director! This could be your opportunity! Please contact Chris Tackett at: chris@friendsofthedeaf.org.
The deaf in Guatemala plead that we construct a more inclusive society, where nobody is left out, because unfortunately, the deaf are seen as inferior, incapable and worthless, and this is just not true!
Friends of the Deaf was founded to let the deaf in Guatemala know: "You are not alone; your Friends are here for you!"
Won't you please help us by sending a donation!
Make an online donation - click button
"Elena, making the sign for help"
The 2012 school year approaches!
By Jackie Belding
The holidays are upon us which means the students at Las Voces Del Silencio are well into their school break! The Guatemalan school system runs from January to October so Friends of the Deaf and LAVOSI are busy preparing for the upcoming 2012 school year!
The end of the 2011 school year was very exciting for LAVOSI students. They participated in the CasaSito Music Festival with other (hearing) schools and interpreted songs in Guatemalan Sign Language. The crowd gave a huge round of silent applause when they were done and much awareness was raised for the school.
El Dia del Niño (Child's Day) in Guatemala took place in October and the students were treated with a field trip to MacDonald's in Antigua Guatemala. Check out the link to our Facebook page for more photos!
Fundraising progress was also made as the LAVOSI Silent Auction in Rhode Island was a huge success! November 12th, our volunteer Cait Smith hosted the silent auction to raise money for LAVOSI and Friends of the Deaf at the East Greenwich Fireman's Hall. Local items as well as Guatemalan artisanry were auctioned off and thanks to the 65 wonderful people who came out to support us a total of $2,940 was raised!
We're still a little off our mark for our 2012 budget, so please take some time and visit us on Facebook or our webpage to learn more about what we're doing at Friends of the Deaf and LAVOSI, and think of us during this season of giving!
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