Morocco is gearing towards the establishment of a university entirely dedicated to deaf people and deaf-related professions, in partnership between the Lalla hasnaa foundation and the Washington-based Gallaudet University.
The announcement was made Friday during the visit Princess Lalla Hasnaa paid to Gallaudet University and that was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of understanding between the Lalla Asmaa Foundation and the Gallaudet University, the only institution in the world that is solely dedicated to the education of the deaf and hard-of-hearing persons from early childhood up to PhD level.
The University, to be the first in Africa and in the Middle East, will be fully dedicated to the education of deaf and hard of-hearing children, providing a complete educational pathway, from early childhood to doctoral studies.
Princess Lalla Asmaa, President of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation, chaired the signing ceremony of the MoU that was initialed by the Foundation’s Deputy President Karim Essakalli and President of Gallaudet University Roberta Cordano, at the National Deaf Life Museum located within the University.
The MoU reflects the Princess’s firm and steadfast commitment to improving the livelihoods of deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Morocco, through providing an educational environment that respects their uniqueness, while guaranteeing their full integration into society, karim Essakalli said, during the signing ceremony, emphasizing that the Lalla Asmaa Foundation has endeavored for over fifty years to ensure access of deaf children to a dignified education, to acknowledge their language and culture, as well as their access to specialized, affordable and sustainable care.
Essakalli added that the University project is part of a wider dynamic promoted by King Mohammed VI, aimed at building an inclusive society, where everyone, regardless of any difference, can learn, evolve, thrive and contribute fully to the development of society.
President of the University Roberta Cordano, on her part, affirmed that this MoU is a statement of mutual respect and recognition, and embodies “our shared commitment to promoting a future of excellence in deaf education in Morocco.”
She also emphasized that the University is honored to be at the Foundation’s side at this historic and auspicious time.
Based on trust and shared values, the relationship between the University and the Foundation highlights the Kingdom’s rich heritage and inclusive vision, while drawing on Gallaudet’s global experience and expertise, said Cordano.
Before the MoU signing ceremony, Princess Lalla Asmaa toured the university, visited a classroom at the Sorenson Leaving Center, learned about students’ academic projects and the quality of teaching at this university, which offers a range of educational and scientific programs adapted to the needs of deaf people.
At the Sorenson Leaving Center, she also visited the Motion Light Lab, a unique space that utilizes innovative methods and a blend of sign language and visual aids to support the cognitive and linguistic growth of children.
Princess Lalla Asmaa then visited the Student Academic Center, which provides facilities adapted to the specific needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, including technological tools such as the Communication Access Realtime Translation system.
She afterwards explored the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University, a center of excellence with educational programs adapted to deaf and hard-of-hearing children, from pre-school up to high school.
Princess Lalla Asmaa also attended a teaching session of young deaf children, accompanied by their parents. It was an opportunity to discover the “Family Learning” approach, which educates parents to be active partners in their children’s linguistic and social development.
Two Moroccan students who are attending Gallaudet University, namely Zahra Ketoun, a PhD student, and Zakaria El Kantaoui, an undergraduate and alumnus of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation, were among the officials and faculty that greeted Princess Lalla Hasnaa and her accompanying delegation.