View of part of the San Isidro Care Centre property, Solomon Islands.
At San Isidro Care Centre in Solomon Islands, learning is measured not just by lessons completed, but by confidence gained, connections formed, and the moment a young person realises they belong. The Centre’s latest project - focused on sign language resources, digital access and community outreach - marks a meaningful step in strengthening that vision.
Expanding Access and Inclusion
At its heart, the project aims to improve communication, education and inclusion for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Solomon Islands. It brings together three priorities: developing sign language resources, increasing community awareness, and improving access to digital tools for learning.
Each of these areas responds to practical challenges. Together, they ensure that deaf students are better supported to build language, skills and opportunities for the future.
Preserving and Growing Language
A key achievement has been the documentation of sign language used at the Centre. Over three dedicated days, around 400 commonly used signs were recorded, capturing the vocabulary central to daily learning and interaction.
This material has been compiled into a video resource, forming the foundation of a broader, evolving library. Importantly, students themselves will review and validate the signs, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. Their input will guide the next phase, which will expand the collection by more than 400 additional signs, particularly those used in vocational training.
This collaborative approach reinforces the role of students as custodians of their own language, while strengthening the relevance of the resource.
A teacher and students share a moment of learning and connection at San Isidro Care Centre, where inclusion and opportunity shape everyday life.
Opening Digital Pathways
Digital access has also transformed learning at the Centre. The installation of Wi‑Fi on 15 December 2025 created new opportunities for both students and staff, enabling access to online learning materials, improved communication, and stronger administrative systems.
Building on this, staff participated in digital training in February 2026, supported by partners from Woodford International School. The training focused on safe browsing, email use and everyday digital tools. These skills are already improving day-to-day operations and supporting the Centre’s long-term sustainability.
Strengthening Community Connections
Outreach remains central to the project’s success. Efforts to connect with remote communities have helped identify and support deaf young people who may otherwise go unnoticed.
Following the Christmas period, staff member Margaret Kafoko joined outreach visits to several islands, leading to new enrolments, including one student who travelled back with her to the Centre. Additional students joined in February, reflecting growing awareness of the Centre’s work.
Local leadership has been critical. Advocacy from community figures, including school advisory board members and faith leaders, has helped extend the Centre’s reach. Partnerships with organisations such as the Solomon Islands Deaf Association and the Disability Peoples Association continue to strengthen these efforts.
“Jerry has found a future defined by possibility”
Jerry - A Story of Belonging
The impact of the project is best seen through the lives it touches. Jerry, a 24-year-old from the Russell Islands, arrived at the Centre with determination to learn. Born deaf and living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he had faced considerable challenges.
Since joining San Isidro, Jerry’s growth has been significant. He has developed greater independence, improved communication skills, and increased confidence. He now participates actively in vocational training, works cooperatively with others, and adapts well to daily routines.
Most importantly, Jerry has found a sense of belonging - within a community, among peers, and in a future defined by possibility. His journey reflects the broader impact of inclusive education and support.
Jerry, 24, from the Russell Islands, is building skills, confidence and community at San Isidro Care Centre in Solomon Islands.
Looking Ahead
The long term vision of San Isidro Care Centre is ambitious and hopeful: a future where 90% of deaf people in the Solomon Islands are literate and skilled, and where the Centre’s sign language resources are embedded within the country’s broader sign language framework.
This project is more than infrastructure or documentation. It is about giving young people like Jerry the tools to communicate, connect and flourish - and about building communities where everyone truly belongs.
How you can Empower Communities to Create Pathways to a New Future
If you would like to donate to projects like the San Isidro Centre’s sign languge resource development, you can do so through the link: Donate - Australian Marist Solidarity
Tracey Doublet
Interim Communications Officer
Australian Marist Solidarity
