Twenty-eight deaf and hard of hearing people have graduated from a winemaking course hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and are now ready to turn their newfound knowledge into meaningful opportunities.
At Wednesday’s graduation of the first ‘Introduction to Winemaking’ Course for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram expressed pride in the accomplishments of participants from the inaugural programme.
Held in recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the ceremony highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to building an inclusive agricultural sector where training and opportunities are accessible to all.
One teacher, Keith Patrick, spoke with TTT News on presenting the first winemaking course for the deaf.
“It was an opportunity to reach out to a group of people who are normally marginalised, and I felt it an honour to be able to come forward and to use my talents to give to them, to share with them, so that, for me, was really wonderful. I enjoyed that.”
Mr. Patrick also spoke about his relationship with the Ministry and how he came to take on the role.
“They were trying to find somebody who could do this course with them, who could help them along the way, and, unfortunately, the feedback they got was that people were reluctant because, partly, some people want to protect their territory. ‘This is my information, I am not going to share it, not for free anyhow.’ But I saw it as a welcomed opportunity, so when I was asked, I embraced it because I felt it’s my duty as a good citizen to give back and to help others.”