National University of Vanuatu promotes Deaf inclusion and sign language education

The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) is marking International Week of Deaf People, September 21–27, and International Day of Sign Languages on September 23 by promoting Deaf inclusion and sign language education through its teacher training, research and community programmes. Vanuatu has maintained a long-standing commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities, having signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007 and ratified it in 2008. These commitments are reflected in the Vanuatu Inclusive Education and Training Policy 2025–2030, which requires the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) to lead the development of Vanuatu Sign Language and strengthen inclusive teacher training. NUV is supporting these priorities through its academic programmes. The university currently offers Diploma, Bachelor and Master of Philosophy programmes in Inclusive Education to develop professionals working to strengthen inclusive education. Sign language is a core area of study within these programmes, providing future educators with practical communication skills. NUV has also integrated the Nasonal Saen Lanwis Diksonari Blong Vanuatu (National Sign Language Dictionary for Vanuatu) into its teacher-training framework. The dictionary was developed by MoET’s Curriculum Development Unit alongside Ni-Vanuatu Deaf individuals and provides a national resource for education and documentation. Looking ahead, NUV plans to progressively introduce sign language as a compulsory course for all university students, regardless of their programme of study. The university said its graduates move into roles including policymakers, managers, entrepreneurs and public administrators, and providing them with basic signing skills could help improve communication and participation for Deaf people across different sectors. NUV also reaffirmed that the Ni-Vanuatu Deaf community remains the primary owner and central driver of the development of the language. The university intends to work with MoET, Deaf communities and local organisations to identify, document and validate new vocabulary as the language develops. “Sign language is more than a means of communication,” the university said. “It is a language, a human right, an expression of identity and culture, and a pathway to education, participation and belonging.” NUV said it would continue working with Ni-Vanuatu Deaf people and Deaf communities, MoET, organisations of persons with disabilities and development partners to strengthen Vanuatu Sign Language, prepare inclusive teachers and professionals, and advance research. The university said the work supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 on equitable and lifelong learning, as well as the Vanuatu 2030 national development vision of a just, peaceful and inclusive society. NUV is also aligned with the Vanuatu People’s Plan and the Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan. Its education and training programmes are based on the priorities of the National Human Resource Development Plan 2020–2030. As the commemorations continue, NUV is calling on educational institutions, government agencies, families and individuals across Vanuatu to recognise and promote the rights, identity and full participation of the Deaf community.