A trailblazer in deaf education

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

KHADEEJAH Hansrod, a 24-year-old graduate from UKZN, has overcome significant challenges as a deaf individual to excel in her education. Ranked among the top achievers in South African Sign Language (SASL), she advocates for improved deaf education and aims to inspire others in her community.

Hansrod, 24, of Isipingo Beach, graduated with a Bachelor of education in foundation phase teaching. The top achiever placed third nationally in SASL and second among students in special schools in KwaZulu-Natal.

She was born deaf, and throughout her life, she faced numerous challenges that shaped her today.

Hansrod attended the Fulton School for the Deaf before joining mainstream university.

“While the school provided a supportive environment, it was sometimes challenging because some teachers did not know sign language. This occasionally led to communication difficulties. Additionally, deaf schools often have limited subjects, such as biology, life sciences, and physical science, due to departmental limitations on employing qualified teachers for these areas.