A lesson in listening

(Conclusion)

In the Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative held last month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the 24 student-leaders weren’t just confined to debating in function rooms and attending forums. After all the intellectual endeavors were over, the young leaders stepped out of their business suits, left the function rooms and proceeded to enter an entirely different world. For the next two days, they were to immerse themselves in the community of the deaf, where even without the presence of spoken word, the students were able to understand humanity on a whole new level.

The deaf students, ranging from 14 to 18 years of age, were from the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf Association. The first day of the activity was held at the National Council of Welfare and Social Development within Kuala Lumpur. The day was composed chiefly of ice breakers and games that both the deaf students and the Hitachi delegates could enjoy. I joined them in a couple of games, including Pictionary and another drawing game in which everyone showed a great sense of teamwork and communication despite obvious language and speech barriers. After the games, the deaf students and the young leaders were treated to an afternoon snack which Filipino delegate Pamela Manuel, who, like all other participants of the Initiative, were only served gourmet dishes courtesy of the hotel, called it "truly Malaysian," or simply Malaysian lutong bahay. The day ended with everyone having conversa-tions in sign language and prepa-ring for the activities of the next day, which included a trip to the zoo and creative environmental presentations, to be done in groups consisting of both the deaf students and the Hitachi delegates.

The following day’s activity was held at Zoo Negara, which, in my opinion, is one of the best I’ve seen. The day started with a tour of the zoo. They showed us sun bears, lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, snakes, camels and all other animals that everyone was delighted to see. Both sets of students had work sheets with them to fill up as each animal stop consisted of an informative lecture by a zoo representative. The interaction and communication exercise were intended for the students to be able to comfortably establish conversations and exchange ideas with one another. "I think this was a very important part of the Initiative," says Filipino delegate Philip Dy. "(The interaction with the deaf students) gave us the message that there are special groups of people that we have to take into consideration in everything that we’re doing." After the tour, the groups stopped for lunch at the center of the zoo and prepared for their respective presentations; each presentation was about a certain step in the growth of our planet, from creation to present time. Afterwards, the Hitachi executives, who were with the students in every step of their experience, handed out certificates of recognition to the students of the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf Association and thanked them for teaching these highly educated and extensively-trained student-leaders more things that mere words cannot express. "It humbled me in a way. Sometimes we look at the deaf as less fortunate," says Pam. "I realized that we’re equal. They would want to be granted the same respect as any normal being would get."

This activity completes the HYLI experience. After long hours of proposals and intellectual discussions, the students were immersed in the life of the deaf community. At both ends, it was a life-altering activity that I’m sure none of the participants will ever forget. "It’s good to be able to talk and discuss issues and make research papers. That’s very strategic," shares Pam. "But it’s not going to be complete without a community component. That’s what reminds you what leadership is all about – how leadership is for the people."

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For questions, comments or complaints, please e-mail me at emailcarlramirez@yahoo.com.