ONGWEDIVA – The Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) has sent out a stern warning against fake sign language teachers operating illegally under the association’s emblem.
NNAD chairperson Beata Armas in a statement issued said that the association has noted with grave concern that there are uncertified individuals in Opuwo giving fake sign language classes.
“Our concern is that the instructor is not certified to train people in sign language,” Armas said.
In addition to giving classes to those willing to learn sign language, it is alleged fake teachers issue certificates with the NNAD emblem.
“The certificates used are not authentic nor authorised by NNAD. This ultimately translates into stolen intellectual property of NNAD,” Armas said further.
In the same breath, Armas said that the practice is not only a money-making scheme robbing individuals of their hard earned money, but is also robbing the association of individuals who are keen on learning the sign language who can in turn become professional interpreters.
“This is detrimental towards them as they are gaining nothing from the classes,” said Armas.
Armas encouraged individuals who want to learn sign language to contact the association for referrals to avoid being defrauded.
NNAD National Director Paul Nanyeni added that sign language courses can only be conducted by the association itself or by a deaf person.
Equally, Nanyeni said those found to be trespassing can face charges of theft of intellectual property which can culminate to a jail term.
The association recently celebrated the International Week of the Deaf in Eenhana to raise awareness about people with hearing impairments.
It also sought to highlight and advocate for equality for deaf people in all spheres of life.
Equally the week also looked at addressing the denied or lack of full human rights across the globe.
This year’s week was celebrated under the theme ‘With Namibia sign language, everyone is included.’