NZSL Youth Development Programme 2023/2024

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. 9 events were held.

NZSL Youth Nights

Four NZSL Youth Nights were held at the Wellington Deaf Club (Nov 2023, March 2024, June 2024, Sept 2024).  Fun and educative NZSL and arts and crafts activities were led by Deaf Adult role models and Deaf/NZSL Youth, finishing with shared pizza.  These were very popular and enjoyed by up to 20 d/Deaf/HoH/NZSL youth at each event plus their siblings, cousins, CODAs, and whānau.  About 30-50 people attended each event in total.  Youth and families were immersed in NZSL and were able to meet with Deaf Community in the Wellington Deaf Society space.  These evenings were super fun and connected youth and their families in a positive NZSL/Deaf environment.

Captioned Films

Three Captioned film events were held (Nov 2023, May 2024, July 2024).  Up to 70 youth and families attended each event.  Before each film, NZSL activities were led by Deaf/NZSL adult and youth role models for an hour.  Activities were fun, interactive and included teaching new words/signs from the film. d/Deaf/HoH/NZSL youth and whānau had so much fun and connected with youth from different schools across Wellington.

Youth and family friendly community events

Two Film Making Workshops were held over two weekends (Nov 2023).  8 d/Deaf/HoH/NZSL Youth met with Deaf/NZSL group leaders to learn about film making.  They developed a script, organised costumes and filmed a short film.  The workshops were in NZSL and led by Deaf/NZSL adults and youth.  So much fun and friendships were made.  The film was shown at the Wellington Deaf Society Christmas party 2023 and enjoyed by many. 

One large event was held at Brewtown (March 2024).  120 Deaf/NZSL youth and families attended for ice skating, 10 pin bowling and jumparama, plus afternoon tea. 40 d/Deaf/HoH/NZSL youth attended, with siblings, CODAs, NZSL students and Deaf whānau.  Deaf adults and d/Deaf/HoH/NZSL youth supported communication throughout this event.

Overall, d/Deaf/HoH/NZSL youth that participated in these events were aged 3-20 years old, and included CODAs, whanau of Deaf, hearing students of NZSL, including Māori and Pasifika.  Posters and photos attached.  All events were immersed in NZSL and gave opportunities to connect and see NZSL positively and grow confidence using NZSL. 

Event Outcomes

Deaf and NZSL youth were immersed in NZSL at each event.

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.

It was important for Deaf youth to see and communicate with other Deaf teens and meet Deaf adults, who were leading the workshops.

The events provided essential and rare opportunities for Deaf/NZSL youth to meet with other youth and families. 

Feedback from d/Deaf/HoH youth

"I enjoyed all of the events that I went to and I made a new friends."

"I really enjoyed the welcoming chill atmosphere of the captioned film events, and it was a great way to catch up with people :)"

"I really enjoyed getting to meet lots of new people. It was awesome to see whānau and friends participating in all of the NZSL activities and having a great time."

"It was incredible to see lots of young D/deaf youth and kids coming together in one space and doing NZSL activities together. The captioned films were super popular in the D/deaf community!!"

"The activities were fun and engaging. It was an amazing way to improve and use NZSL skills and bring the community together."