Graduates silent but definitely not joyless

A group of graduating Victoria University students never spoke a word yesterday during the quietest graduation party ever held.

But it wasn’t because they had nothing to celebrate – all 11 are deaf.

The students were New Zealand’s first to graduate with a certificate in deaf studies.

Already fluent signers and interpreters, the 11 are now equipped to teach others sign language for the deaf.

Student Jackie Davidson said the new graduates would have a huge impact on New Zealand’s deaf community.

“There are more and more hearing students that want to learn sign language,” she said through interpreter Wenda Walton.

Wellington has only five people teaching sign language, but there is a long waiting list of people such as teachers and parents wishing to learn.

Auckland-based signer and graduate Penelope-Jane Went said deaf teachers made better sign language teachers because they understood “deaf culture”.

The Victoria University students had been lectured throughout the year by deaf teacher David McKee.

Meanwhile, about 600 Victoria University graduates paraded through central Wellington yesterday on their way to graduation ceremonies at the Michael Fowler Centre.

They walked from the law school, in the old Government buildings on Lambton Quay, and gathered in Civic Square just before 1pm, where they were met by Deputy Mayor Kerry Prendergast.

Another graduation ceremony is due to be held at the university’s marae today.

Photo caption: THUMBS UP – Certificate in deaf studies students, from left, Jackie Davidson, Penelope-Jane Went and Mary Speirs celebrate their graduation.