Deaf students pursue computer engineering at Baglung School

BAGLUNG, July 6: Sunita Sharma can neither speak nor hear but she is currently studying computer engineering.

"I had only seen a computer," said she, using sign language. "Now I can operate it."

As she was very interested in the subject, Dhaulagiri Deaf Residential School of Baglung district has extended her support to pursue the course, according to her. "I cannot help thanking the school for the support," added he.

This is for the first time in the country that deaf students have the opportunity to study computer engineering. Computer engineering course has been introduced in the schools for ninth and tenth graders as part of vocational and skill development education. This is a unique advantage for students with speaking and hearing disability.Dhan Bahadur Thapa from Sindhuli has come to Baglung to pursue the course. Studying computer engineering is a unique opportunity for him, according to Thapa. "I had never even seen a computer but now I've learned a lot of things, including computer repair and programming since I enrolled here," she said.

Although other students of the school still cannot operate computer, ninth and tenth graders of Dhaulagiri Deaf Residential School can now operate computer very well. "Deaf students, who have been deprived of several opportunities, are now gaining computer knowledge and skills," said Kul Sapkota, a computer teacher. "Their performance in practical class is far better. However, they have problems with English language."

It is learnt that the school is also planning to start higher secondary education (10+2) in computer engineering for the deaf students in coordination with CTEVT.

"SLC graduates of computer engineering should also get opportunity for higher studies, so we will take initiatives to introduce diploma in computer engineering," said KB Ranamagar, founder of the school. He further said that the school has started computer engineering course for deaf students, but the government has not extended favorable support.

Dhaulagiri Deaf Residential School of Baglung is a well-equipped school of the district. A total of 160 deaf students hailing from various districts are studying in the school.

The school, which also has a residential facility, has become a special care center disabled students who do not get proper care at home. The school provides them free accommodation and food along with free education, according to KP Adhikari, chairman of the school management committee (SMC).

The SMC has accused the government of not supporting the school. There are 23 staffers, including teachers, working for the school.

Education Minister Chitralekha Yadav recently inaugurated the newly constructed building of the school. The building was constructed at the cost of Rs 17.8 billion with support from various organizations including Ministry of Education, District Education Office of Baglung, Plan Nepal, District Development Committee, and Japanese Embassy. She also assured support to the school for taking the special initiative.

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