The first group are deaf children, who – until they could join our school- just sat down at home and hardly came outdoors. Now they are radiant children!
They were frightened but thought it to be thrilling as well. Even the most frightened child wanted to jump in the pool for a second time. Swimming is such joy for deaf children. They do not need words: there is not much talking in a pool and everyone understands each other with simple gestures.
A second group are children with severe burns (they do not want to be photographed).
A third group consists of children with poliomyelitis.
A fourth group: the so called albino children. The groups are small but all these children had to overcome the shyness to show their handicapped features. We do respect that, that is why they are divided in small groups. The pool is small, but situated in a beautiful  protected spot between the trees. A heartwarming experience to see  frightened withdrawn children change in radiant enthusiast girls and boys.

In 2007 started a Karate training in some small villages without any activities available for youngsters and kids. The trainer gets a small compensation from the government. The children, a group of 45 boys, and girls as well this being very special, train twice a week. This group performs so well that we are very proud of their participation in regional contests. They needed the special outfits for it, awarding them status and respect from the environment visiting their competitions. Silent work found a donor who provided for the outfits. These are made by another Silent Work project in Senegal. Mutual cooperation between projects creates development and good contacts.

Deafnet-NID South Africa developed a gestures-DVD containing 500 gestures in Burundian sign language. This DVD has been spread all over in Burundi. Schools for deaf, parents of deaf children, communities and organizations working for deaf people can use it to communicate with deaf persons. On top the possibilities and restrictions of being deaf are explained. This will provide more understanding around the difficulties and misunderstandings deaf persons meet in daily life. Because lots of people do not possess a computer or DVD installation, this collection of sign gestures has been published as well in the shape of drawings.

Deafnet-NID South Africa developed a DVD with 200 south African gestures of sign language for children, pictures added. When you cannot read yet or/and write, you can still learn the gestures. Posters were made with south african photographs of sign language, f.e. a visit at the physician: thus you can clarify, and the physician to you, what kind of problem exists.

Sign language training MA 1

Sign language training MA 2

Sign language training MA 3

Sign language training MA 1

Sign language training MA 2

Sign language training MA 3

Knowledge of sign language, beautiful conducted gestures and suggestions of students were practiced and the exams proved a close cooperative group despite tribal differences.

8 Students already started a class for deaf in their region. In 2010 there will be a follow up in Senegal and one in Mauritania.

Silent Work build in 2005 in a large village a center for different activities, amongst others: a 3 year training to become a tailor. An important skill because traditional clothes are worn by many men and women in Senegal. 25 Girls were trained and are now self employed or started in small groups their companies. They co-operate with the women of the tissue-dye training. They can use the machinery in the center.

Silent Work build in a large village a center for different activities, a.o. a 3 year training in dyeing tissues/clothes. An important skill for many men and women in Senegal wear traditional clothes. 25 Women were trained and are now self employed or started in small groups their companies. They can use the center for this.