PWDs inspire teacher to interpret IEC theme song

CEBU, Philippines - Her affection for persons with disability motivated a 22-year-old special education teacher from Tuyan, City of Naga to interpret using sign language the theme song of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress.

 “As a Catholic, I want to show to the Catholic disabled youths through the steps that we are loved by God equally,” said Jehan Marie Francisco.

Francisco dedicated her accomplishment in making the sign language interpretation of the Hope of Glory song to the persons with disabilities.

Francisco said that upon hearing the hymn she and her older brother John Jason, who was first given the task, thought of interpreting the song through a sign language for special persons like deaf-mute to understand its message.

Francisco is a member of Tuyan Parish Youth Coordinating Council where she also contributes steps or actions whenever they have presentations.

With God’s guidance, she took the challenge and was able to finish the steps and interpretation of the song in one day with her goal to spread the message to everyone especially to differently-abled persons.

She said she believes that even persons with disabilities have something to share that will amaze everyone. They just need affection and attention.

“Important sila kay tungod sila ang mga bata nga dapat tagaan ug dakong gugma ug pag-care. Bisan pa sa ilang sitwasyon, naa ko’y pagtoo nga aduna silay mga gitagong talento,” said Francisco.

She also expressed her happiness about her contribution to the international event. Francisco said she offers her success to God for giving her the talent and skills.

“Dako kaayo akong kalipay kay dili ko katoo nga tibook kalibutan ang makakita sa actions sa hymn. Mixed emotions. Lipay nga lami ihilak kay proud kaayo ko nga usa ka batan-on apan naka buhat nako og ingon ani. It’s  a blessing nga part ko sa maong dako’ng kalihukan,” she said.

Francisco believes that it was one of God’s reasons why she was in the field of special education.

She hopes that with the actions she made, everybody could understand and participate in living out the message of the song. — (FREEMAN)