In Kyrgyzstan, a JICA project trains the next generation of Deaf leaders; the country has about 3,500 Deaf people and only around five sign language interpreters

A Shimotsuke Shimbun reporter's series on Kyrgyzstan looks at a JICA project to boost Deaf people's participation in society by developing next-generation Deaf leaders. The young country's welfare system is still developing: it has at least about 3,500 Deaf people but only around five sign language interpreters. Tsukuba University of Technology professor Osugi lectured in sign language at a three-country experience-sharing conference in Bishkek on September 19.