Hey, hi, hiya, hello, yo, waving!

Wait, wait, wait… if you want to read with attractive website, check out - http://ashtondeaf.blogspot.com/


For non-expressive people…

Hey, hi, hiya, hello, yo, hola, waving to everyone!

How are you all in non-South America? Ahem, for Lulu, Helen and Jason still are in South American, how are you? Missing me so much eh? (Yeah don’t worry, for guys, let’s say ‘I don’t miss you’ in a macho way, let’s chatting in one to one on MSN privately, yeah? less feminism side)

Dweeb
Anyway it has been while since I sent you a last geek-diary (for Ovais or Mark Sunter, I call it dweeb usually!). Ahem being dweeb is so fun and interesting (!) I was supposed to send a few weeks ago but I couldn’t think of making this dweeb-email interesting… maybe I lost my Northern sense of humour or disappointment over not winning Champion League? Don’t answer, it’s just a rhetorical question unless you are a Spurs aka Laxative fan. (I enjoyed being Deaf Ainsley Harriet for the night before Spurs game).

But while in Guyana, after watching my favourite comedy TV, ‘Everyone Loves Raymond’, fortunately, it helped me using my sense of humour to take away this annoying dweeb-obsession.

When some of partying-wild (Very Sexy Organisation) volunteers left especially queen of rum Jillian and Jo, everything’s slow except hyperactive Deaf children. As a Northern star, I haven’t gone out for drinks or parties for a while, most of my Yorkshire mates (especially Healy brothers) wouldn’t be happy with my half pint of beer belly. But they should be happy with my one-pack rather than six packs…

My (almost) rooted Dominica
Ahem I did buy 2 tickets for flying to the one of Caribbean island, Dominica with party-wild girl (scoucer obviously), so I have to be prepared, will act like an Northern alcoholic before Racy arrives in June. She is now new YPG member, oh sorry weapon-free and Deaf gatherings ‘YPG’ stand for Yorkshire Pudding Gang.

I’m really really really really really excited about going to Dominica because of different kind of lagers… oh I mean there’s more things like seeing my great-uncle and aunt, aunties/uncles, nieces/nephew, friends (I think), beaches, waterfall, jungle, real Caribbean food! ‘Real’? Guyanese foods are not my bottle of Super-Malt. Of course seeing nieces and nephew would be great reunion because I remember them as very young children. I hope they wouldn’t notice my hair, yeah I will join Ovais’ bald club when I get back to the Queen’s country. It will be cool being black & Asian Grant and Phil from Eastenders.

I’m sure Racy will loves it… she might fall into love with Dominica (no, he is not really human)

I think I will take about 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 pictures (sorry I’m quite not good at ‘advanced’ maths).

‘Dead’ Awareness Week
Biggest Deaf Awareness ever AND first National week ever for the Deaf community is Deaf Awareness Week is on 12th-18th June!!! Their theme is ‘Hands Up’ (I’m big-headed because it was my idea!). Sean the interpreter created the logo, I will show you what logo! Members of CBR’s parent support group and I have been planned tireless about activities. What activities? Ok I will tell you what… three Deaf awareness workshops at mainstreams schools/college, four 2 hours-workshops for anyone, Deaf Film Festival (2 films – Black & Bridging the Silence), Deaf drama group, posters, t-shirt with theme, of course interviews on TV, fun day, art exhibition and more!!!

Fantastic news is 9 Deaf Guyanese people are happy to assist these workshops AND talks on TV! It will be great experience for them AND a great break-through for the Deaf Guyanese community! Show that Deaf people can do it they eventually can be better dancers than Jacko!

Hyperactive children
Yeah, I’m still alive; you can see my typing (!) Although I love to work with the children! Whenever I visit Diamond and New Amsterdam, of course they always excited to see me!! They happily signed ‘GOOD MORNING, ASHTON!’ with massive smiles!!! However, at the David Rose (capital city Georgetown), I was like a king as it is more formal because when I come in the classroom, city children (bit like Londoners) all stand up and signed ‘Good morning’!!! One of Diamond teachers asked me to adopt them ALL, I said in English idolism ‘Pfft, over my dead black body’! I’m sure being Daddy is most difficult job than male teacher. Of course I want own children… later. I’m not like ‘black father stereotype’; there are millions of good black fathers over the world, even some better than white father. Yes, nobody’s perfect! So stop queuing up for me, you need good looking guys to produce good-looking babies.

I have been travelled to New Amsterdam by myself for the second time. I always was with Stevo and the interpreter when we travelled there but it wasn’t really challenge on my own, it’s like walking to the shop. No big communication problem, no problemo! It was really nice to Charlotte, Sarah and Rob, haven’t seen them since February!

Special boy, Ajay (sign language lesson for his hearing friend at the No.73 Baptist Church) I haven’t seen him since March.. oow!! But I will see him on 22nd June, so can’t wait! Bad news, my friend Jennifer who teach Ajay GSL/ASL, broke her leg after a fall. This class won’t be till June! Get well soon, Jennifer!

I noticed most of Diamond/New Amsterdam pupils’ sign language skills are getting better than I first visited last September. While school hours I taught children with Down’s, CP and Autism as had problem with using their voice. They can communicate with Deaf pupils which is fantastic! Especially their families! Some hearing disabled pupils asked me for more new signs, so sweet! I know there is still an ASL genocide but they used own GSL most of the time, they seems more comfortable with GSL than ASL because it’s their Guyanese culture.

Unfortunately long time ago, some American people came over to teach ASL, it destroyed their culture. Even other American people visited and made up some signs after only 2 weeks project, so unbelievable and disrespectable! I understand that the Deaf education was very poor that time, would be difficult to communicate without proper education but American people should research and observe Guyanese Deaf culture first. Then they can work alongside with Deaf people who could be able to use sign language AND know some of English. Let Guyanese Deaf people their own job… it’s too late… wait a minute! It can happens in 10 years or so time!

Funnily but true, I love to learn about American Deaf issues and depth about ASL as my new second language now! Bye English, hello ASL! I’m still keen on blogs about the Gallaudet protest, I can see many Deaf British people are not interested in American culture!!! Hehe! I’m willing to learn about different Deaf cultures all over the world. Life’s too short eh!

Anyway after-school, ASL/GSL classes for teachers and parent of Deaf AND other disabilities (Down’s, CP, Autism), these classes went very well! They enjoyed it very much, they loved ‘ASL-ingo!’ like ASL bingo. It was eventually sweet when their Deaf child helped out!

At the Open Doors Centre (IT training, English, Maths, woodwork etc), it’s for disabled young students includes 3 Deaf girls aged over 16. I set up GSL/ASL classes for 2 groups….. boys and girls separately!!!! They are good fun to chat with! They were really really disappointed when I couldn’t make it to come due to other plans!!! They are so keen to learn more more more GSL/ASL!!!

Workshop
My workshops in April & May
2 hours Deaf Awareness for Special Needs Education student - SUCCESSFUL!
2-Days Deaf Bilingual Education for teacher of Deaf – SUCCESSFUL!
PHOTOS: http://www.flickr.com/photos/89381656@N00/sets/72057594138711044/

I will email you my story of Deaf Bilingual Education workshop soooooon!


I think it’s enough!!!

Missing you so much and love you… as a mate!

Take care of yourself

Ash xXxXx

ASL-ingo!

That morning, I went to the Diamond Special school to work alongside with the teacher of the Deaf. I taught her the story-telling skill from the children's book and a few new signs involves Social Science. In the afternoon, I introduced my ASL-ingo! game (similar to Bingo) to the Deaf children in the classroom, they were very excited about it as they did it at the Deaf Youth Club before!! It really helped some of pupils alot, those who first learned ASL/GSL last year. Ahem I won nothing :( ... so unlucky! must be Arsenal shirt I didnt wear that time!!

Ash

Deaf Awareness workshop was so successful!

Now they know!


Feedbacks (Post It) on Ashton's workshop


Ashton the (fantastic) facilitator!

Elske the impressive interpreter!


Demonsratation of positives and negatives


More brainstorming


Students gained their knowledge of Deaf awareness on the Deaf education


Other group did the same thing


SEN teacher Elske discussed with students on the solutions

One of 2 groups came up with the solutions of Deaf awareness


I was pleased to tell you that my Deaf Awareness workshop was so successful according to very positive feedbacks from participants - Special Educational Needs (SEN) students on Wednesday 5th April. Fellow VSO volunteer Elske (SEN teacher) who agreed to interpret at the last minte but she was fantastic especially her students was impressed as they rarely seen her like that! Those students was very lovely people! :) The workshop last 2 hours... sharply! I will do another session for different students on Tuesday 9th May. Bad Deaf Education without Deaf Awareness!

Main objectives:

1) Ice breaker - Chinese whisper (gesture)
2) Introduction to the Deaf Awareness workshop
3) Brainstorming on the postives and negatives of Deaf awareness in Guyana
4) Solutions of negatives and recommendations from 2 groups of participants
5) Finger-spelling lesson
6) Ashton's master story-telling from the children's book
7) Feedbacks (Post It)
8) Evaluation (hand out terminology papers too)

Ashton

Last 2 months was quite madness!

Ashton with Deaf Mission team who introduced the drama workshop for the Deaf community

Ashton the ASL teacher at the Corentyne CBR, Corrvertion

Disability Sport's Day - finish line

Joey, Ashton and Steven at the Brazilian restaurant

Ashton gave a speech before the opening of Diamond Deaf Youth Club on 25th March


Hey everyone! How are you British, Irish, Welsh, European, rest of the world mates?

I was soo busy because UFO abducted me! Aliens are really Deaf, UFOSL (UFO sign language) I learnt for 5 minutes then signed ‘Minicom home, stupid!’

I feel like my English is getting much better than before due to my email-machine!!! Ahem, that's not so me! I will put a brief message,.. I think!

Anyway last 2 months was quite madness but worthy!!! Numbers of VSO volunteers seem got lesser and lesser than last year, it was quite spooky! :S. Must be my BO or something!! just kidding (I hope!), their 6-months service here was done! In March, I did add 4 ASL classes for teachers/parents at schools & disabled students at the Open Doors Centre. The Deaf Mission visited for workshops from the USA, 20 include 2 Deaf people. They were so amazing and so lovely! They are great role model to most of Deaf Guyanese through their drama workshop. Julie who is hearing, she is fluent ASL user also qualified interpreter. We got on very well. We talked about comparison of BSL and ASL, attitude, culture etc. We learnt each other for signs like BSL & ASL's own signs. Other people are fantastic too! I think I fell in love with my girlfriend ASL now because of handshape rhythm, I will show you when I get back!

I’m so pleased to tell you that the fund-raising for a new Diamond's Deaf youth Club was really successful! It was the St.Patrick house party at Stevo's & mine, there were about less than 20 people attended (included a few gate-crashed which was a good thing!!!) Raised about £50!! My big thanks to them! :) I did buy some games and meals for the opening party from the fund, teachers from Diamond school cooked vary of foods such as chicken curry, roti, sponge cake. Mines chick pea! Also gave away spoilt sweet thing to the children!!!

The grand opening of Diamond's DYC was fantastic, I organised everything perfectly except problem with the date and time but we've put it behind us already!!! About 40 people include 5 Deaf children, parents + teachers from Diamond school seemed they enjoyed every moment! :) We played the game like magnet dartboard, cards, dominoes, chess, scrabbles, football!! It was for Deaf children and other who has learning difficulties and behaviour problem. It will boost their confidence and communication between them and parents at home. Great speeches from Stevo and one of teachers who was a birthday girl,... of course and me too! lol! This club will start at 2pm-4pm on 2nd and 4th Saturdays every month.

After Stevo’s Trinidad hols, Stevo brought his mate from the UK who I never know... finally met Joanna,... Joey,.... Mojo... or Jo (from Doncaster) at the parent support group meeting! She is really lovely and open-minded, straight-talking, I like that about her! We talked alot and alot and alot and alot and alot (did I say 'alot'?) although I haven’t been to Esso station for using my hand!!! I found this weird to sign in.................................BSL!!!! Blimey! When we first met, she was bit nervous because of my fluent ASL even without using my lip sometime!!! Funnily, the first thing she said to me 'I’m nervous!' Very sweet! She learnt most of ASL and GSL, she is a quick learner! She influenced me infamous sign 'Vast' as in 'Oh I see'!!! The more she talks about England, the more I'm missing over there... for the first time!!! It made me think of England (not in the bed if what you think!). I really miss most of my mates over there!
Only I know she didn’t like the most about Guyana is her enemy mosquitoes! She met Deaf Guyanese people, she did well! Seems everyone like her because they said she is pretty!!

My great mate Rachel MacDonald will visit here in June for 2 weeks (24th June-8th July), we might fly over to my (almost) rooted Dominica, one of West Indies island for 5 nights!!! I wonder what she will surprise me…. Anyway I really can’t wait to see her!

Don’t be hope up, mate………. but I might fly back to the UK with Rachel on 8th July OR August depend on the election confirmation, 17th July-4th August would be more likely. It would be too risky for us VSO volunteers to stay through the election because of the higher crime rate.

It’s so nice to know that 5 of my mates still in the South America, Caroline and Toto are in Columbia, Helen and Jason in Brazil and Lulu in Chile!!!

I’m so happy with Arsenal’s form this season! Goodbye Real and Juve! What Premiership? Hehe!

There's more coming up, I will set up a Deaf drama group (can’t wait!!), another Deaf Youth club in New Amsterdam, more workshops and Deaf Awareness Week in 12th-18th June!!!

Take care of yourselves

Ash xXxXx

No.73 Baptist Church

Ashton's meeting with Ajay for the first time in November 2005

Ajay's families and friends in Feb 2006

Steven, Veta, Ajay and Ashton

On Thursday 9th February, Stevo and I visited Corriverton (an hour drive away from New Amsterdam) to surprise Deaf boy Ajay the main man, he uses basic ASL but unfortunately he didn't went to any school in his life. Why surprise him? because we cancelled 2 trips last 3 months due to flooding, riot and road block... aaah well! He was very much looking forward to seeing us whenever his Mum told him that we would come... eeek!

Anyway he looked so happy to see us back! :) It was sooo good to see him, his Mum Veta, brothers, Sue the voluntary teacher from the missionary and especially Ajay's hearing friends.. aged between roughly 4-14. When I first saw them in Nov 2005, I realised that they learn ASL FOR Ajay! It was so extraordinary! It's deffo my best moment in Guyana so far!

He asked me for my another story-telling in beautiful ASL for all children, they enjoyed watching mine 'Gorilla' & 'Three Little Pigs'

Photo: Ajay sat in front of me

Power to the people, peace out

Ash

A long week to… open a new Guyana Deaf club

Celebrating the New Year in Georgetown, Guyana!

Jermanine the daughter of Deaf mother burned by a boiled-water pan, she was brave girl at the hospital!

We were so proud of our new club, Deaf power!

Gloria (70's yellow hat) was so eager to see the Deaf facilitators' speech

Deaf facilitators Steven Wynne and Ashton gave some emotional speeches


How are you all? Still fed up with cold weather eh? Actually I love the winter, I’m thinking of becoming a coalman when I get back, still hot here!! You can survive through beautiful weather in the UK! Worried about felling sleep while reading? Put up with English language as your second? I will do my best to entertain you all briefly! I wish I could use my first language beautiful BSL and ASL on blog with my thoughts and expression… because my ESL (English as a second language) word is not really expressive.

A week before the opening of a new Guyana Deaf club, well it was 8 days…. On the 20th January 2006, there was a welcome party at Celina bar for 4 new volunteers from Ireland and England. I wore a beautiful new black t-shirt with VSO logo on the sleeve and VSO in finger-spelling ASL with VSO, that logo I designed from my Dutch friend Marco’s vee idea. Most Very Sexy Organisation (VSO) volunteers wore different colour of their new t-shirts, especially some of Dutch volunteers chosen orange ones; further especially Marco bought 2 SAME white t-shirt and orange t-shirt!

Stevo and I rode our ‘impaired’ bike on the way to Celina’s bar, I saw a new volunteer walked (actually I first saw the back of her head at VSO office, haven’t got a chance to meet her as she walked around like me when I first arrived), so I hand- braked so hard as this brake is impaired too. Unfortunately, as a non-white man myself, she thought I was Guyanese man gave her a bit uncomfortable. I noticed her body language, I pointed VSO on my sleeve t-shirt to show her I am not scary! We arrived at Celina, this bar look like the resort but without beds, mosquito net, bed & breakfast, yeah lovely beach too but fantastic fountain. I met all new volunteers, they are very lovely and sweet. One of them are Irish called Amber who can sign ISL! All drinks and bufflets for free, of course I ordered loads of lagers in Yorkshirean way! It was quite good night! After that, we went to my American friend Mike’s house party, it was really good!! We played ‘throwing balls into glasses of lager’ table-tennis!

As a Yorkshireian guy, I had bit lovely hangover next day, I watched comedy cartoon made it worse as I wasn’t ready to laugh with my dying body. Some of you think I might be sad but I counted hours from Sunday till opening of new Guyana Deaf Club although I even wasn’t very excited.

I was quite nervous but didn’t feel very excited about the grand opening which I should feel, (unlike I was very very very….very excited about Yorkshire Pudding Gang gatherings in Leeds in 2003 which was successful!) I just was looking forward to seeing Deaf people’s happiness rather than only me. Although Steven was very excited! I was supposed to design the flyers but the decision of the time has been changed sometime made it delay, so I thought the flyer would be not needed at the short time! Infamous Deaf rumour spread will do! So I told most of Deaf people about a new Deaf club soon, they are quite interested in coming. They asked me if it’s new Deaf church as there is very strong religion in Guyana! I told them that Deaf club mean Deaf people gatherings, socialising, playing games, enjoy themselves and gain strong Deaf community in the future! Some of them said God gave us a gift. I bet God loves Deaf people then!

Sunday… Monday… Tuesday… Wednesday…

Most hearing schools opened since after New Year but unlike other some Deaf schools. David Rose Deaf school was closed till a few weeks due to redecoration which was wrong time. ‘Lovely redecoration’ wasted all Deaf pupils’ learning times; especially not many parents with second language (or never use sign language) encouraged Deaf children to learn something at home. Finally I visited David Rose for working alongside with teachers. Their teaching, communication AND motivation is still poor; déjà vu!

I worked at Diamond and New Amsterdam and Corentyne on 8-10th Feb, I was looking forward to seeing all New Amsterdam pupils despite couple of cancellation last month and December. I was quite busy with my planning of bilingual education workshop in March and practicing to be proficient ASL user.

I emailed most of my British, Irish, European mates to support our new GDC for games like American cards, West Indian dominoes, English scrabble or some fund, we would be very grateful to receiving these because you would make the difference happily!

Just one day before the opening, Steven and I received the grants from Community Based Rehabilitation for food and drinks to providing for Deaf people for grand opening party. We chosen and bought food and drinks at Bounty supermarket where a Deaf man James worked at. I still wasn’t excited even it was tomorrow, what a Deafist man I was! I decided that I would pretend to be Deaf Black Ainsley Harriet; cooked pasta with sweet-corn, tomato, basil and mayo.

I woke up on the 28th of January 2006, yeah it was big day for the Guyanese Deaf community! I was getting bit excited every minute, one minute I was 68% excited, next minute I was 69% excited! I was cooking foods as well as helping Donetta with her cooking style, kept looking at the clock like organised geek boy (!) This food was completed; mission: possible! Yay! Whoa! Very interesting(!)

We arrived at the Guyana Deaf Club… urmm well it’s the Flex GYM. So we set up the table, chair, ‘Grand opening of the Guyana Deaf Club’ banner, food, drinks and games.

Just remember it was supposed to open about 4.30pm but it was just about 10 people turned up after 4.30pm! So we leave it bit late as waiting for more people to turn up. There was about roughly 20-25 people, we kicked them out for opening a new club! There was a nice red tape on sides of the door, mmm!! Stevo and I gave some emotional (I think!) speech then Deafies got very excited as we counted down to open in beautiful ASL. Luckily, a Deaf man rushed to get in just before Stevo cut off the red tape as who would be first person to get in! Actually it was Gary who worked at the Flex GYM, what a cheeky bugger! But it was very special for him though.

We were signing away, eating, drinking (not very Yorkshireian) playing games and dominoes! It was about total 40 which was really successful for the Deaf community and even the world! I want more Deafies to come; this new club definitely gain their Deaf pride, Guyanese/American Sign Language skills, confidence and self-esteem. You can be welcome to come!



There is MASH (Carnival street on the Guyana’s Republic Day) on 23rd February but in Deaf world, the GDC will be having Deaf MASH at GDC on the 25th, we raised GUY$7,000 (about £20, would be 8 pints of lager!) from own Guyanese Deaf people’s little pocket money or hard cash for food, drink and decoration. I even spent my own money when I was skint that time! In the UK, I wish I never spend £20 on needlessly drinks or clothes to make me feel good temporally.

Stevo and I gave big thanks to my good friends Oliver Jamin and Claire Pemoardo for donating the GDC with money and games, we appreciated it very much! We will mention their names to Guyanese Deafies this Saturday! We still need more, more and more!! You can miss your last pint!!!

There are still more coming ups this year; I will set up a new Diamond’s Deaf Youth Club, Bilingual Education workshop, new Deaf drama group, more new ASL classes, introducing Deaf studies at Deaf schools, work alongside with Deaf role models for school and Deaf Awareness Week in May!! Wicked!

My best recent moment in 2006, one of teachers at the David Rose Deaf school (the worst), she said she wanted own Guyanese Sign Language rather than ASL so I need any Guyanese-rooted Deaf people create new GSL for the future.

I think that’s it! Yeah pheeeew!

Missing you all!

Take care of yourself

Ash xXx

Check out my photography (From Aug 2005 till Feb)!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/89381656@N00/show/

Iwokrama!

At the Canopy Walkway, alright!

Instruction before trekking to the Canopy Walkway

At the Iwokrama resort for 6 days


Staring at the Sankar the alligator amazingly
Ashton and Steven on top of the Turtle Mountain, so breathtaking!

Ashton and Jo-Ann exchanged their stockings

Hey everyone!!


Happy New Year to you all! Hope you have a great Xmas and New Year party in the UK and over the world!

I was with 7 volunteers (Stevo, Jill, Jo, Sarah, Michiyo, Boldi and Mary-Ann). Doctoring student Mary-Ann is not VSO volunteer but she joined us at last minute. She is from England, She knows some of BSL; so I taught her some of BSL signs as she is leaving on the 7th January.

We were so excited and ready, we took a first photo of us before leaving… cheese!

It was ‘ok’ journey to Iwokrama, we were supposed to leave by a coach at 10pm but left an hour delay over overload thing! But 30 minute later, the coach broken down, the driver and other staffs tried to fix it while heavy raining!! It worked!! Heehee! We finally arrived Iwokrama rainforest in middle of Guyana, all rainforest and rivers looked so beautiful! I can see this is really Guyana, breakaway from crowded, hostile, selfish, crime, pollution, bad environment, colonies building Georgetown.

Iwokrama resort looked cool and impressive, I could live there for ever! The guide called Gary who is Amerindian himself. He showed us around Iwokrama, Turtle Mountain, Canopy Walkway, Essequibo river, Screaming nature trail, wildlife, Fairview and more! You can see amazing pictures! It was really exciting to see rainforest in Turtle Mountain, Screaming trail and Canopy Walkway. I may have been to rainforest in Dominica, West Indies but this Iwokrama rainforest is more interesting!

On Christmas eve, My best trip is Turtle Mountain, I trekked up (800 metre high) for one and half hour and back for another hours. It was so cool experience! We were on the top of mountain, beautiful view of Iwokrama and river. Took a lot of pictures as well as filming!

I am not big into animals but most cool thing I have seen is Sankar the alligator! We thought he would attack us but not really, he is really a vegetarian! My friend Hannah (another volunteer) she swam with it last year!!!! Bloodly hell!!! I wouldn’t do it even I am a big man!!! Hat off to her!!! She noticed it without a leg! Although I still wouldn’t swim with it heehee! Saw other species like spider, different kind of birds, ants, dragonflies, fishes, snake, monkey, turtle (and turtle eggs in the red sand) of course mosquitoes (I got much fewer love bites than Georgetown). Tribe people lived there long time ago but wiped out over colonies thing. What a shame!

We were excited about receiving our secret stocking from other friend. It was Jo who gave me the brilliant present, this big sock with ‘Ashton’ sewed! You might see a picture! I took things out like a lot of sweets, cards, key-necklace holder, shot glass etc. I gave her a handbag, a wooden bracelet and a sign ‘Take off your shoes’ because she brought loads of shoes from Canada! We were pissed and having some fun!

On Christmas Day, I had a wicked Xmas at Iwokrama rainforest resort. Actually we really didn’t celebrated Christmas on Xmas Day, it is like normal day to me! Most of us slept, relax, read books/magazines, walking around and eating normal meal!

On 26th December, we went to Canopy Walkway, it was cool! We trekked up for just half an hour. Just relax and enjoyed view of Iwokrama rainforest. Poor Jill got sting from a wicked wasp; at first I thought she pulled her back because she held her back with her horrifying face! I saw a wasp, I killed it straightaway! The light went off at 10pm, we turned a torch on, unfortunately loads of flies attached around us!! A massive moth ticked my ankle, I jumped and thinking ‘It was sexual harassment!’ Heehee!

When I got home (Georgetown), I learned that Georgetown or other regions in North of Guyana wasn’t really Amerindian culture or rooted! In the 18th century, it was British, Dutch and Spanish colonies dragged African slaves and East Indians labourers into Amerindian Guyana changed most.

On New Year eve, I had a good time at Annestijn’s for celebrating New year, Stevo and me were supposed to meet Deaf people at Deaf church about 10.30pm but there was different church in same area though. Although we didn’t remember what street (we went there last August!), so we had to ride to look for most streets! We drank and rode! Oops! We couldn’t find them; we had to go back to Annestijn’s about 11.40pm.

My resolution? That’s all I am thinking about is setting up a new Deaf club for Guyanese Deaf community AND improving my footballing!

Funnily, 3 ex-Preston University students is in South America at the moment is me, Helen Phillips with Jason Vessey (Brazil) and Lulu Fresiel (Chile)! Lulu said she love this country (where her family is from) Chilean Deaf community is not good as Chilean Sign Language only started 10 years ago. Most of uneducated Deaf people used oral though. Lulu assisted with her Deaf friend Paola who is a CSL teacher and improving Deaf education across Chile. I’m sure she make difference for Chilean Deaf community!

That’s it!

Missing you all!

Ashton xXx

Deaf not dumb!

Beach party in Corrvertion, much much much better than Georgetown

At the Deaf Awareness Day, Ashton signed the poem in ASL to impact on the Deaf & hearing audience, 'Empathy' by Gavin Lilley

Diwaii - wonderful lights

Overnight stay at the Shanklands, awesome!

March of 100 people on the Deaf Awareness Day on 27th Nov 2005, Deaf power!


Hey everyone! How are you all in coldly England??

At the moment, I am at 1970’s groovy Guyanese house with super-polish wooden, lovely mosquitoes especially my great mate (a biggest fan in the world) called Big Fan, luck for my baldness otherwise I had to brush. I am typing up here while watching Oprah (my Mum’s favourite programme) on TV, not exactly Guyanese programme eh? About 5.31pm, sunset at the same time every day in a year, so my watch doesn’t need to turn back or forward! Nothing much interesting for you eh (!)

Ashton Stevo Lecture (ASL)
I think ASL is now my first language! Stevo and me always use this at home most of the time. Even we forget some of BSL signs. Stevo and me tried to communicate in BSL but accidentally using ASL signs! We feel so weird!! Anyone of you could teach me BSL alphabet when I get back next year??? Hee! My ASL evening classes went very well, most of VSO volunteers (includes 2 Red Cross volunteers) learnt so quickly! Normally Stevo’s (7 vols) group are less experienced and beginners and my (6 vols) group are more experienced on Tuesdays. Next level, they will need to learn about non manual signal behaviours (expression), ASL’s own grammatical different from SSE next year. I am absolutely sure they will learn quickly! My own ASL class on Wednesdays, teaching 4 volunteers (only one VSO and other 3 are other voluntary organisation) I will do 4 ASL classes every weekly in the New Year. I enjoyed it very much!!!

Trip to New Amsterdam/Corrivertion
On the mid of November, my visiting at New Amsterdam/Corrivertion was so wonderful experience! Stevo, Monty (ASL interpreter) and me were given a lift by Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) 4x4 car… it was 2 hours journey from crowded, busiest, aggressive city Georgetown. Suddenly this car smashed an innocent and poor stray dog! I was so shocked, I never seen anything like that before! Even although I am not big on animals!! I think it definitely died. We arrived New Amsterdam by ferry, lovely view on the dirty river. I felt so excited and looking forward to seeing Deaf children again since September. I was happy to see Deaf, hearing and other learning difficulties children at New Amsterdam. I would work at NA on Wednesdays and Fridays once every month. Many of children were so excited and a lot of handshake or hugs either! Some of them helped me with my bag and even lunch in a plastic bag!

Found out that 2 teachers were not there (I know one of them were at university, didn’t know about other one). So Stevo and I covered for them, it was my first proper teaching for Deaf children age range 5-8. It was only 5 pupils; some of them were trying to be good at reading and writing. They kept looking at me in case I might punish them which I didn’t! Also other subject was PE and drama on Friday, I was teaching deaf pupils basketball (ages between 10-12), it was good fun! Deaf children seem they so enjoyed drama subject, games, doing facial expression, emotional includes happy, sad words etc on the blackboard. I worked alongside with a Deaf woman (teaching assistant) called Sheila for teaching drama, she was nervous at first but enjoyed it later!

Deaf community
I have been spent with hearing volunteers more than with Guyanese Deaf community; although, there is a small community in big country. I met most of Deaf people in Guyana’s capital Georgetown (Region 4) occasionally. Not many of them using ASL; more like home-made signs or contextually Most of Deaf people have a basic job like working at supermarkets, bag-keepers, street-cleaners etc. Rest of them doesn’t have a job; one Deaf man told me that employers refused to give him a job just because of his deafness. A Deaf woman called Donetta, she works as a copywriter at Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) where I work at. She is really straight-forward woman. I will work alongside with her for ASL class & Deaf education workshop across Guyana.

Only 2 Deaf social communities are Ian’s workplace and Gary’s Flex Gym. I always visited/stopped by and chat with my Deaf wicked mate Ian, who work at cycle shop. He was the one who fixed my ‘impaired’ bike countless!! He is really funny and extremely good at story-signing in a beautiful own sign language (Guyanese Sign Language) mixed with ASL (murders or burglary mainly!). I can see that he is trying to work hard to keep his family good life tirelessly. Some of his mates met up for a chat at a working hour times, it was good socialising! Whenever my bike breaks, I always take some of my working times off to visit them. I know some Deaf people meet up at restaurant Popeye’s on Saturday nights but I never turned up (always going out with volunteers for drinks, meals and activities). Yeah there’s no excuse! But I will try my best to turn up for a chat after Christmas!! Other Deaf social community, Flex Gym, Deaf GYM instructor Gary, I love him! He is a wicked guy! He is really really really funny! We always wind each other up! He reminds me of my mate in Yorkshire! Some other Deaf people turned up for a chat everyday. Only time was I see them on Sundays (Deaf Church), actually I last visited was October! Been visited there only fourth time.

Stevo and I are planning to set up a new Deaf club in Georgetown very soon!! It starts in January/February. I asked Deaf people around, they are very much interested in supporting. We will have a meeting first before opening. I really can’t wait for this very special day!!!!!!! I prefer Deaf club run by Deaf people themselves in the future. This club will definitely gain Deaf community stronger, confidence and identity.

Also Donetta (Deaf woman) and me planning to set up a new Deaf drama group for Deaf and hearing people too in the new year.

First Deaf Awareness Day
Most important day was Sunday 27th November, Guyana’s first ever Deaf Awareness Day in Georgetown. I tell you all, it was so successful! A parent support group called Sign Language Club (about 20 members) supported that event through 2 months. Stevo and me gave them more ideas about the march and other activites etc. They did make big difference for the Deaf community! I created Hands Up for Deaf Rights leaflets about Deaf awareness, sign language, negatives in Guyana and finger-spelling etc. 4 wonderful people (Stevo, Donetta, Sean, Annestijn and me) who created loads of placards with visual (more understandable for Deaf people who can’t read).

‘Deaf not dumb’
‘Deaf future is in our hands'
'Respect the talking hands’
‘Action is louder than words’
‘Deaf power’
‘Equality for all’

I was really impressed with a number of people (Deaf and hearing) attended for marching and watching speeches, about 100 people includes Deaf children marched to the National Park!!! Wow!! I encouraged some of people to chant ‘Deaf not dumb!’ Best thing was a cool Deaf man called Paul who didn’t much about the Deaf Awareness; he tirelessly handed out our Hands Up For Deaf Rights leaflets to cars and minibuses while marching! It was about 20 minutes marching! We arrived at the stadium, sat down and saw/listened to Sign Language Club chair-man Leon Walcott spoke out about the Deaf Awareness and thanks to people who supported that event greatly.

I did sign out to the audience my favourite poem – Empathy by Gavin Lilley from the UK.

Stevo signed out about history of British Sign Language; finally I joined him for showing people what BSL like different from ASL.

Christmas
I have to enjoy my Christmas without my Mum for the first time in the whole 26 years! I am sure she will be ok! She will be with family and friends on Christmas Day. I am going to stay in Iwokrama (rainforest resort) for 6 days with Stevo, Jo, Jill, Sarah, Michiyo and Boldi on 22nd -28th December. It will be great experience for me! We did Xmas stocking, I will tell you after in case Stevo might find out before!!!

I wish you Merry Deafmas and a happy New Year 2006!!!

Mwah mwah mwah mwah (under the mistletoe!… not you, guys!)

Take care of yourselves and miss you all loads!

Ash xXx

Guy-ana and Gal-ana!

Ashton met Diamond Deaf pupils for the first time

On the way back to Georgetown from New Amsterdam

Guyanese passed out on the beach, British typical!

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil (David Rose school)

Ameridian Hertiage Month in Santa Mission

Hey everyone! How are you doing? How’s work, university, bumming around? Still not missing me? That’s good because it’s only 2 months!

Let you know that I am picked by Guyana national football team as a central-midfielder. We will play against Brazil next month… as if!!! Heehee!

Ashtonism
I am still boring old fart Ashton but I feel much less stressed and more happier in Guyana such as I learned a lot of new things here! Also I learned something from other volunteers. Of course there is still some frustration for me over lack of deaf awareness in Guyana so it’s my job to raise deaf awareness here. Deaf power! I am getting looked after myself more every day such as dangerous roads, heat, women (who need ‘em?!), satanic mosquitoes, water and much more!

Stevenism
Steven is a good mate to me now (I think!). He is wicked, funny, intelligent, confident, bit hyperactive! We always teased each other most of the time! One of his cheekiest joke (not my favourite one!), he suggested that Arsenal lost 5-0 to Ajax in Champion League last Tuesday. I was gutted and couldn’t believe it, so I checked out the scores on internet, turned out to be 2-1 won by my beloved team. I happily punched Stevo’s shoulder hard! What a sweet revenge from him because I always teased him before!! He is quite all right at cooking, not exactly Jamie Oliver but his cooking hadn’t killed me yet! We will work together most of the time, teaching deaf/hearing people ASL, raise Deaf awareness across Guyana and some activities.

Very Sexy Organisation
A lot of VSO volunteers are enthusiastic and nice, most of their offices in Guyana’s capital Georgetown and also work in other regions occasionally. Most of them come from UK, Canada, Kenya and Holland. New volunteers (includes me and Steven) always arranged to meet up somewhere for a chat and drinks such as trip to Santa Mission (Ameridian village) for the day. They are very keen to learning ASL as we had ASL class at each volunteer’s house every Tuesdays night, although, it was good excuse to bring food!! It was good fun and bit serious! Me and Steven taught them most of variety words like alphabets finger-spelling, work-related, general conversation etc. Funnily, me and 8 VSO volunteers chatted and danced at Latino bar, some of Peace Corps volunteers and American Red Cross (they are all white) approached VSO team, greeted them all but not me because they thought I was Guyanese even I was chatting with VSO!! Cheeky buggers! Anyway I will give each volunteer one thing about them;

Jo-Ann (Canadian) – very bubbly
Sarah – (British) dark horse
Marco – (Dutch) funny
Elske – (Dutch) cheeky
Terri – (Canadian) kind
Jim – (Canadian) thinker
Michiyo – (Canadian) shy
Jill – (Canadian) sensible
Annestijn – (Dutch) sharp-witted
Inge – (Dutch) bossy
Joan – (British) Mother figure
Boldi – (Canadian) womaniser
Tara – (Guyanese) smile
Marcia – (Guyanese) sweet
Koen – (Dutch) party guy
Petra - (Dutch) Open-minded

Community Based Rehabilitation
All my colleagues are nice and fun! A Guyanese deaf women called Donetta who work as a assistant, she is smart and funny. She explained to me a lot about Deaf community which is good thing because I need to know what deaf community really like such as deaf/HIV awareness. Most of deaf people have HIV positive who I met in Georgetown. It was very smaller community though. I went to St. Rose School for the Blind, I met 2 Deaf-blind girls, they couldn’t sign or speak anyhow. They seem so isolated, it was quite frustration for me. I learned Deaf-blind sign language already, so I will do my plan for teaching them DBSL. Also I will teach teachers, parents, anyone who need to communicate with these girls. I have been visited all deaf schools – David Rose (10 minutes walk from my house, Diamond (15 minutes drive away) and New Amsterdam (3 hours drive/cruise away). CBR volunteers and I travelled to New Amsterdam on a minibuses, taxis and ferries to see deaf pupils at New Amsterdam special school. They are amazing because they were so excited to see me and Steven. Asked me when I will go back again! I know what my role exactly doing for a year as a facilitator, specialising in literacy, teaching American Sign Language, parent support groups, Deaf awareness and HIV awareness. This prospect will have to be done before on 7th October, to meet CBR’s national advisor. I am sure it will be good presentation! I have been to different regions like New Amsterdam, East Coast, East/West Berbice, Essequibo, Kuru Kururu and more places for introduction, meeting a lot of people who involving CBR and different organisations. There is none of any Deaf organisation but I would like to set up new Deaf organisation, I can see huge problem is communication.

Dumb Boy
I am still trapped in the 19th century because there is lack of deaf awareness in Guyana. Hearing people still call deaf people ‘deaf and dumb’ or ‘dumb’ in un-offensive way even some of deaf people think ‘dumb’ is a right word! I was really surprised because my Guyanese deaf friend (Ian) showed me a Guyanese newspaper about his involving cycle tournament, (he was third) it says ‘Dumb Boy’ I expected him to think it is wrong but he happily said ‘I am dumb’ (sign for deaf). I explained to most of CBR members about meaning of dumb, I wouldn’t walk, sign, laugh, write, play, swim, blah, blah, blah and blah, they seems bit surprised with my saying, that’s good thing! I preferred this simple word ‘deaf’. My Guyanese hearing friend called Monty who is an ASL interpreter; he is only 21 years old!! He even volunteered to interpret for me and Steven for CBR! Not like cowboy interpreters in the UK! He is cool and fantastic sense of humour. He understands my Yorkshireian sense of humour now! I learned a lot about Guyanese jokes from him! Other voluntary interpreter called Sean, he is 32 years old but he looks younger. He is a fire-blower, actor, dancer, artist, and drummer (dustbin). He designed signs such as creating Ministry for Sport, Youth and Culture. He is keen to learn about how to use graphic and website software (Photoshops or Flash etc).

Just now
There is not really much of different culture compared to UK but most of drivers are much crazier than my British friends!! I was in a taxi with volunteers, passing people who shouted something bad, I saw a Guyanese man lying on the street, bunch of people around him in the night 2 weeks ago. There was some blood on his t-shirt, damaged bike in middle of street. This street is not very safe because not enough flooding around there and cars always overtake another cars. I think it was hit and run or accident, he could die because he looked like he was in very bad shape. Why ‘Just now’? Most of Guyanese people always says ‘Just now’ mean late! I even hate this word especially in ASL too!!!

Trips
VSO volunteers and I travelled to Santa Mission (Ameridian village) on minibus and motorboat (10 mph!). It was about 3 hours travelling. Cruising through river like Amazon River style, an hour cruise but it was good view! You might see a lot of picture in Bluemeanies website. It was great and chill out day, watched Ameridian dancing, music, crafts, face-painting, food and drink. Some of my friends said they sang so badly! I didn’t care because I was only interested in their dancing! One Ameridian man was so pissed, and he couldn’t walk properly. He passed out on the beach like typical British guy on the Greek beach!

Missing UK?
I didn’t feel any homesick for 2 months except my Mum, some good friends, YPG, Neighbours (I hope Izzy would be gone in time as I get back!) and my girlfriend Arsenal. My Mum can live without his mad son anyway! (Nah she misses me a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot!). Honestly I realised that I am going to miss cold weather because winter is my favourite season!!

Arsenal needs me…
I watched Arsenal played against Ajax for 12 seconds in the Champion League on Wed 28th Sept. I felt good by watching them! I was very disappointed with their form in Premiership this season. I think Arsenal couldn’t cope without me!!

I think it’s enough otherwise you would fall sleep!

Take care of yourself!

Ashton

Goodbye UK, hello Guyana!

Ashton the fool but good behaved

Jillian, Marco and Ashton on their overnight stay at the Emerald Tower

Lawrence displayed the nature video at the Deaf summer school

Very Sexy Organisation Guyana office in Georgetown

Cool Ashton in the hammock at Annestyn's


Hi everyone! How are you doing in less warmer country? I hope you all having fantastic summer! How are your friends?

I had a great week (my first week) in Guyana’s capital Georgetown, this place is bit rougher than Brixton or Oldham, you know why! Georgetown is similar to Roseau in Dominica (my families is from one of south Caribbean islands originally) but Roseau is better place than Georgetown.

A lot of area is beautiful and other is not! None of brilliant beaches in Guyana, if you are very brave to dip in, you would swallow some nice shit or rot fruits but there are some great clean rivers in Guyana’s regions. I expected lesser than a lot of luxuries/beautiful but there is 3 KFC!!! Yay(!) This meal is bit different, bigger than a piece of little chicken in England. Every day, every hour, every minute, every seconds, still humid out there! Beautiful sky and smiley sunny! I always wake up about 7am every days, my body clock is 5 hours late. I thanked somebody who invented fresh water (filter) and fans! I always sweat, that’s me! Good for losing this old word ‘fat bastard’ though!

Some of homeless people (children mainly) approached me for money, foods or drink, I always ignored (yes typical British I am!) as well as Steven and other VSO staffs. I am always aware of other Guyanese people’s attitude. I felt not safe alone in town because there is always mugging or robbery around in Georgetown. Most of them openly stare at me and Steven signing, some of them laughed in front of us, I felt bit frustrated but got used to it anyway. Most of the time, they stared at him because he is white. Of course, lack of deaf awareness in Guyana but some of hearing Guyanese people are aware because their hearing friend who works at Community Based Rehab or VSO, they raised deaf awareness across some regions, so Guyanese people understand little. It is not really change! That’s what I am here for!

I learned ASL so quicker than I expected, I know most of ASL signs BUT it is bit hard because BSL and ASL have same English words. I will get used to it for a year. Two ASL users who is hearing called Mary and Lawrence, both of them are ministries, preach at deaf church in Kitty (my home area, 7 minute drive away from town)

Steven and I taught all new volunteers last Thursday at ASL class, it was really good. More simple like alphabet finger-spelling, names (finger-spelling and new sign names) then my own game Chinese whisper, spelling ‘repair’ and ‘sex’ ‘EY’ at end! Actually most of them are open-minded anyway! It is good for them because fun is good for memory! Also they love to learn some rude/swear words! There will be 4 more classes this week. It will be more interesting because I got some good ideas for them to sign well. Steven’s new sign name, this sign for white boy (Deaf black/Indian Guyanese men invented it!) Remind me that Deaf white people invented ‘sign for black’ for most of deaf black people’s sign name in UK also old sign for Africa, it’s like sweet revenge! You will see Steven’s new sign name next year! Guyanese sign language for ‘black’ is different (curly sign).

Guyanese sign language is different from ASL, I like this because ASL took over most of countries like British Empire teach English over the world!

I stayed at the hotel called Rima on 8th until 19th August before Steven and I move to our new house. Other new volunteers and I met Guyanese Foreign Affair minister at government office. He would thank us for servicing to Guyana something like that! We had to stand up before he arrived, we were all bit nervous because we were too formal (I wish we could meet up at pub instead!) Also some of TV crews there, I didn’t expected to see them there! It’s only VSO! He talked to us about Guyana, employment, disability, education, export and you name it. When we finished, one of Guyanese news TV crew filmed us. I told them about my role and thought of Guyana. Then I saw myself and Steven on news TV in the next morning!! Steven missed it, he was upset… it may be poor quality picture but good for deaf awareness across Guyana anyway. Best thing about this programme was they incorrectly called Steven ‘Steven Whim’, supposed to be Wynne! So we decided that we called our new house ‘Whim’! Cool eh!

I went to Emerald Tower (an hour drive away from Georgetown, stayed at cabin overnight). I had a brilliant time, it was very beautiful river called Black water (white people are allowed anyway!) Actually it is clean water with little fishes. There are white beach, forest and palm tree. A lot of different kind of wild animals like dragon-flies (they are fastest fly in the world – 40 mph!!! they wont bite anyway!), mosquitoes, bats, frogs, black monkey, lizards (10 cm), cockroaches (it flied and sting one of volunteers Annestijn), poor her!), wasps and much more! I was tipsy (6 glasses of rum with coke). I went swimming in the next morning about 7am! Other volunteers wouldn’t swim because it’s too cold!

Inge who is a VSO advisor, she is really nice and sweet. She tried to learn American Sign Language; I understand her sometime but bit better though. She supported me some things like phone for taxi and other things. She explained me about my role (facilitator) it will be a lot of work but not too much. I will work at Community Based Rehab for a year. Review will have to be done before 3 months I leave. I have a lot of ideas and new tools after I met deaf communities and deaf children at David Rose deaf school (Deaf summer school though). I will come to 2 other schools later.

I stayed at Annestijn’s house (Dutch female volunteer) for the weekend, she showed me and Steven around place called Kitty where we will live from this weekend. I saw our new house, it look great, clean and good spacious. It got spare room for bikes and laptop on the table. I will take some photographs and email you next week. Anne is very nice, funny, caring and fantastic sense of humour. She is bit cheeky, can take any jokes I like that. She can sign ASL well as she works as speech therapist at hospital.

Most of deaf adult are not really smart for example, they didn’t know where England is. Also they were surprised that I went to university and college etc. They thought I was hearing because two things is I am black and Steven was there, make them think I was a tour officer for him! ALL of them doesn’t drive, they thought it was right thing to not drive (hearing people told them). I didn’t tell them about Deaf British people can drive in England but I will tell them later. I will bring my photos, pictures of my deaf mates who drives. It’s bit sad for them because it’s hearing power at the moment. At Deaf church (Kitty Baptist church), two man didn’t know where England is nor what, even they only know ‘Guyana’ but no knowledge of geography for Guyana. So I drew the map of South America, USA, Africa, Europe finally UK, I marked cross symbol in Guyana and UK, I pointed to Guyana, told them we are here then I pointed UK, I told them it’s my home. They understand little, better than nothing though. It’s bit hard for them, most of them didn’t went to school or college. Lack of education for deaf people as well as access. One man told me to not sign in front of people publicly, I think it could be his members of family told him to not sign otherwise they would be ashamed.

I got about 20 of love bite on my ankles and arms so far but worst are my leg because I rubbed it once, it got bigger. So Anne gave me a fungus cream, it’s getting better now. Steven is worse than me!!! I feel better now! Heehee! He is wicked man, we look for each other.More new volunteers came (Dutch, British and Canadian) I know Dutch couple, met them at VSO training in Birmingham last July. They are nice but tall! That’s Dutch! Some of Canadian volunteers want to learn ASL, so I taught them basic signs like how are you, numbers, finger-spelling and work-related.

I didn’t eat very much lately. Normally I ate 3 meals and 3 snacks between meals in rainy England but in Guyana, I don’t eat snacks very much though. Their food are not bad but not too healthy, it would be good thing for losing weight!!! Heehee! Most of foods are not really Guyanese foods, more like American, Chinese and Italian. There are 3 KFC which is not good thing for me! I only ate it once……. In my first week! To see what happens in a few months time! I always drink bottle of coke (not my favourite soft drink but always thirsty!) I realised I drank quite so much, not only for my weight but my teeth! I had to drink it less like 2 bottles a day. When I drinks a lot of water, my body says it need some fizzy drinks afterward. It must be climate or something.

Take care of yourselves and I love you all!

Ashton