- St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf in Ragama, Sri Lanka, launched a vocational training program in sculpture for hearing-impaired students who have completed G.C.E. O-Levels.
- The initiative, in collaboration with Father Samantha’s Workshop and Ceylon Deaf Adventures, aims to provide professional skills, mentorship, and pathways to independence and employment.
- The program’s launch was supported by community leaders and artists, with the first batch of 20 students receiving hands-on training to transform creativity into career opportunities.
A pioneering initiative in vocational training for the hearing-impaired has been launched at St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf in Ragama, Sri Lanka, offering students a path toward independence and professional growth. Established in 1935, the school has been a beacon of specialized education for over 90 years, and this new program marks a significant step in expanding opportunities for its graduates.
The program, introduced on March 14 in collaboration with Father Samantha’s Workshop and Ceylon Deaf Adventures, is designed for students who have completed their G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations. Moving beyond traditional classrooms, it equips participants with professional artistic skills, focusing particularly on sculpture, to prepare them for the modern workforce.
Principal Sr. Sunitha Fernando emphasized that the school’s commitment extends far beyond academics. “Our responsibility covers the entirety of their lives”, she said, highlighting support in areas such as employment, financial stability, and social independence. By combining vocational training with mentorship, the school seeks to empower its students to lead meaningful, self-reliant lives.
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The program launch drew support from prominent community figures, including Sugath Wasantha de Silva, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Council of Visually Handicapped Graduates, who encouraged the students with his presence. Renowned singer Bathiya Jayakody and veteran media personality Siripal Wanniarachchi also attended, lending their voices to advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of deaf youth in Sri Lanka.
The course will be guided by Fr. Samantha Thushara, a sculptor and educator with a strong record in art education and community development. The first batch of 20 students will receive hands-on training in sculpture, turning their creativity into professional skills that can open doors to employment and entrepreneurship.
Through this initiative, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf continues to demonstrate that while its students live in a world of silence, their talent, ambition, and potential resonate loudly. By fostering vocational independence through art, the school is redefining what education can achieve for the hearing-impaired community in Sri Lanka.
