Wellington NZSL Youth Development Programme

The NZSL Youth Development Programme 2022/2023 brought Deaf/NZSL youth together in a range of activities, so they could connect with each other and grow their confidence in using NZSL. It aimed to grow the community of young NZSL communicators across Wellington – both Deaf and hearing.

5 Fun and exciting events were held in Wellington for Deaf/NZSL youth during 2022/2023. Over 40 young people, aged 3-19 years old, who were Deaf and/or NZSL youth (CODAs, whanau of Deaf, hearing students of NZSL), including Maori and Pasifika, participated in the workshops (see fliers and photos below):

1. Visual Arts Workshop with Sam’s Art (August 2022)
2. Circus Workshop with Circus Hub, Wellington (November 2022)
3. Theatre of the Deaf Workshop with Equal Voice Arts, Deaf led (April 2023)
4. Drama Workshop, Deaf lead (June 2023)
5. NZSL Activities, (Deaf lead) and Captioned Film (July 2023)

Deaf/NZSL Youth met with other Deaf/NZSL youth across Wellington and had heaps of fun. They made friendships and learnt new skills together.
Deaf/NZSL Youth were supported by Deaf adults and NZSL Interpreters to use NZSL and improve their confidence in NZSL. Deaf role models and NZSL interpreters supported communication between young people and were positive role models for NZSL. Deaf and NZSL youth were immersed in NZSL, as it was the primary medium of communication at each workshop. 

It was important for Deaf youth to see and communicate with other Deaf teens and meet Deaf adults, who were leading the workshops. For some Deaf youth these events were a rare opportunity to connect with other teens using NZSL and meet adults who are Deaf. 

Feedback from workshop participants:
“I enjoyed going to the circus and drama workshop, it was a bit challenging but I got a lot out of it and broadened my circle of people who I know in the 
(Deaf/NZSL) community now” (Deaf teen)

“I loved the caption film because it was awesome see deaf kids feel seen and included! The circus was super fun and a great chance to try new things. Being involved immersed me more into the deaf community. I enjoyed everything put on.” (NZSL teen)

“The drama workshop was engaging and accessible to everyone…good to see the Deaf adult role models…everyone getting together and signing, keeping the Deaf culture alive” (hearing teen sibling of Deaf)

“Wonderful to see the scattered community of Deaf young people coming 
together for a creative activity” (parent volunteer at Visual Arts)

Each workshop raised community awareness about NZSL and Deaf youth within the Circus, Visual Arts and Deaf Theatre circles. Hearing workshop facilitators gained Deaf awareness in their communication and teaching skills. All facilitators commented that the youth were attentive, engaged and lovely participants that were easy to connect with and teach the various skills. All were all keen to offer workshops again in the future for Deaf youth and Deaf Community.