Thanks to the dedicated support of volunteer interpreters, the deaf community was able to fully engage with the powerful messages shared at the Youth Congress. Overcoming the language barrier, these volunteers demonstrated their unwavering commitment to God by ensuring that deaf participants could understand and connect with the essence of each message.

Lucienne Ruth Sabugaa, a licensed SPED teacher who has been serving in SULADS for four years, expressed her profound gratitude for the inclusivity displayed at the event. She also acknowledged the limited opportunities for learning that the Deaf Community often faces.

Ms. Sabugaa noted that the faithful participants from the Deaf Community were truly spirited, disciplined, and passionate. It was remarkable to see that three of the official deaf delegates were non-Adventists, and among them, two expressed their desire to accept Jesus as their personal Savior.

Without a doubt, the Youth Congress 2023 made a lasting impact on both the hearing and deaf communities, emphasizing the importance of equal access for the deaf to experience and feel the love of Jesus, just like anyone else.

By Abbey Gail Daimba
SPUC ComDept

(Photos by Ryan Marc Carrillo)