Pretoria:For Kelebogile Boleu, becoming a mother meant learning a new language to advocate for her Deaf son, Nathanael. As a lecturer at the University of the Free State, she embraces her role as a parent, noting the challenges and rewards of raising her firstborn, Nathanael, who is soon to turn 11 and is Deaf. She described him as confident, independent, competitive, and kind.

According to South African Government News Agency, Boleu shared a heartwarming story of her son giving a classmate his old school bag without expecting recognition. Her reflections coincide with Deaf Awareness Month in September, which highlights the rights and experiences of Deaf individuals. An estimated 600,000 people in South Africa are Deaf, and this year's theme is "Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights."

Boleu recounted Nathanael's journey to diagnosis, which involved consultations with speech therapists and an audiologist. The realization of his hearing impairment led to the use of South African Sign Language (SASL).

In response to the challenges faced by Deaf children in education, Boleu initiated the Hearts project. This initiative helps parents learn SASL and supports children's reading development, aiming to bridge educational gaps. Boleu collaborates with colleagues from the university to support the community of Deaf learners and their families.

Nathanael began using SASL at age six, quickly achieving fluency. Boleu acknowledges that learning SASL is challenging but essential for maintaining meaningful communication within her family. Since President Cyril Ramaphosa recognized SASL as an official language in July 2023, efforts have continued to implement it practically, with PanSALB offering workshops and advocacy.

Boleu believes that while recognizing SASL is a step forward, more inclusive and practical applications are needed. She advocates for understanding and embracing Deaf culture, urging parents to learn SASL and create supportive environments for their children.

Boleu emphasizes that being the parent of a Deaf child is a unique journey, akin to any parenting role, filled with love, learning, and intentionality. She expresses pride in her son's impact on her life and encourages others to appreciate the richness of Deaf culture and community.