An Observatory school for deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils held a career day to help them explore options for their future.

Mary Kihn School teaches classes for pupils from ages 5 to 18, using either spoken English for hard-of-hearing pupils, or sign language for deaf pupils.

On Friday October 11, exhibitors from various professions set up stands at the school where pupils in years three, four and five and their parents could ask questions.

“The transition from school to adulthood and finding employment can be particularly challenging for pupils with disabilities. As a result, it is crucial for families to become familiar with the support systems available in their community. Over 20 exhibitors participated at our expo, each offering specialised expertise in various areas, including support services, employment programmes, further education and vocational training opportunities, as well as hobbies and sports,” said school occupational therapist Elana Solomon.

Year Four pupil, Joshua Isaacs, 18, hopes to study dance next year and has been taking dance classes at the Unmute Dance Company, which was among the exhibitors.

“I am excited for the next chapter of my life. I really want to dance professionally. I have learnt a lot while job shadowing at the academy,” he said.

The welding exhibit caught the attention of Year Four pupil Ziyaad Ryklief. He has been taking welding at school but said he would like to either become a professional boxer or an engineer.

“I have been boxing for about three years now, but I also do welding at school. It was interesting to see the career options available,” he said.

Unmute Dance Company exhibitor Mpotseng Shuping said they were an inclusive company of artists with mixed abilities and disabilities.

“Every Tuesday, we teach dance to about 50 pupils, with 17 of those pupils coming from Mary Khin. We are gearing up for our end-of-year performance now, and from there, we select pupils who have the potential for our full-time training programme,” she said.

Also at the expo were representatives from Youth With A Mission, a training school in Worcester that teaches biblical studies and which will be open to deaf people from next year, according to the institution’s Theresa Booysen.

Unmute Dance Company teacher Mpotseng Shuping.

Youth With A Mission representatives, from left, are Mayara Blanco, Theresa Booysen and Victoria van der Hoeven.

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Deaf school pupils explore career options