166 education
While this book is about the importance of helping a deaf child as
early as possible, it is also important to try to help deaf adults. Our
communities are strongest when they look after all of us.
My name is Tsogu, and I live in
Mongolia. Here is my story.
Never too late to learn
Tsogu lost his hearing after a serious illness when he was
3 years old. As he grew older, he stayed at home while his sisters
and brothers went off to school. Tsogu’s family used a few home
signs to communicate with him,
but he spent
most of his time
alone, taking
care of the
family’s horses,
sheep, and
goats.
Tsogu was a good
herdsman, but he
was so isolated.
We didn’t want
his world to be so
limited.
We wanted him to be able
to make friends, to read
and write, and maybe learn
a trade so he could have a
better life.
One day his parents learned
about a new class, started by a
community group, for deaf adults
who had never gone to school.
After studying hard there for
2 years, Tsogu was finally able
to communicate easily with his
classmates, and to read, write, and do math.
Tsogu decided he wanted to learn a skilled trade like some
of his friends from the same program. He was accepted at a
vocational training school to learn how to be a carpenter.
With a good job, I was
able to think about
marrying and starting
a family.
And our little girl
has her father’s
curiosity and
determination!
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)