The Seychelles National Assembly has unanimously adopted a motion to designate Seychelles Deaf Language as an official national language.

According to Seychelles News Agency, the motion was brought forward by Regina Esparon, the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa elected member for Glacis, on behalf of the Women's Parliamentary Caucus, coinciding with the nation’s Deaf Week 2024.

During the session, members conveyed their solidarity with people suffering hearing loss and their appreciation for the professionals and volunteers who serve this group. They pledged to keep improving the lives of impacted people.

In her presentation, Esparon said more than 1 000 people in Seychelles are deaf or have hearing loss and the Association for Deaf People was established in 2005 to ensure these people can enjoy their rights without discrimination.

"Sign language is essential for communicating with deaf individuals yet many are often deprived of this right, hindering their emotional and educational development. This exclusion limits their job opportunities and integration into society. By making sign language official, we empower them to lead fulfilling lives."

Esparon underlined the need for deaf students to receive sign language instruction and the right to a high-quality education in an inclusive setting.

Many deaf children around the world do not have access to basic education and public services support without sign language knowledge.

Esparon called for improvements in educational initiatives to accommodate all students with hearing problems up to university level and demanded that sign language is used in media and other organisations.

Under the direction of Anita Gardner, Chairperson of the Association for People with Hearing Impairment, sign language is currently taught at Mont Fleuri where students study a variety of disciplines, including home economics.

Gardner expressed her excitement about the motion's approval.

"This decision will finally align governmental policy to international standards. Seychelles has already signed conventions relating to the rights of people with disabilities, which state Seychelles Sign Language must be recognised. This is a big achievement for the association. It is a victory for people who are hearing impaired as they may also feel equal with the same level of importance as everyone else."

The move will make a difference for hearing-impaired youth, Gardner added.

"Language is how we access information and education. It is their right to be recognised and to be able to contribute to society. Its inclusion in schools will be obligatory where kids will have the option to learn this language."