Jess’ relationship with the Deaf Association in Aden, Yemen

I was introduced to Yemen in 2006 when I spent five months in Aden teaching English in exchange for Arabic instruction. Teaching English to Aden’s teenagers, who could afford to study at the private English language institution, convinced me to explore the community. I had free time and wanted to volunteer somewhere in order to experience a wider range of Yemeni civil society.

Deaf friends in America taught me Signing Exact English, a Sign Language used in America, thus I was interested in Yemeni Sign Language (YSL). I found a Deaf Association in my neighborhood, in Aden, and told them I was interested in learning their language and volunteering for them. They taught me YSL, showed me their facilities, and took me on a weeklong trip with 40 deaf students around Yemen. I quickly realized that my idea of ‘me volunteering for them’ was a nice gesture, but I did nothing but receive YSL lessons and accompany the Deaf School on a field trip.

After falling in love with the dedicated teachers and students in the Adeni Deaf Community, I wanted to give back to them. I believe that if generous people from outside of Yemen know what this Adeni Deaf community does with the little money they are given, that citizens of the world will support them. I want to bring their story beyond Yemen, and returns to Yemen with support in the form of funds. That was the goal of my Fulbright research project, to produce a film documentary about Aden’s Deaf Community.