Voices in Silence: A Deaf Teacher's Journey of Hope

The journey of a deaf teacher began at Class C5, located in Đại Mỗ, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội—a place where she nurtures her dream of transforming the words of silence into a voice of empowerment, bringing sign language and hope to deaf children from across the country.

A Safe Haven for Deaf Students 

Established in 2016, Class C5 started modestly with just six students and an innovative teaching model that combined the efforts of hearing and deaf teachers. Over time, the center has grown significantly, now serving as a nurturing home for approximately 47 deaf students hailing from provinces such as Sa Pa, Vĩnh Phúc, Thanh Hóa, and Bắc Giang.

Most of the students at C5 come from underprivileged backgrounds, yet thanks to the dedication of the teaching staff, the center has become much more than a school—it is a cradle of hope. The journey at C5 begins with preparatory classes in sign language, after which students proceed to core subjects from grades 1 to 5, including Mathematics, Vietnamese, and creative arts and crafts. Beyond imparting knowledge, the lessons here equip the students with confidence and social integration skills, empowering them to embrace life’s opportunities with optimism.

Image: Lớp học của Trẻ Điếc / Facebook - Class C5 for Deaf Children during their exploration trip to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and a heartwarming exchange with the Korean Students' Club

Lighting the flame of hope among the dedicated teachers, the story of Trần Lệ Quyên, who has been with C5 for two years, leaves a particularly profound impression.

Image: Ms. Quyen - The Daily Shift

Before joining C5, Quyên worked as a tutor and taught at various centers supporting deaf children. However, her path was not without obstacles, as she faced societal barriers along the way.

“Previously, it was difficult for me to secure a job at public schools due to cultural differences between the deaf and hearing communities. Moreover, deaf teachers are often excluded from formal employment frameworks, leaving limited opportunities. But at C5, I finally found a place where I truly belong,” she shared.

Image: Students from Ms.Quyen's class - The Daily Shift

Despite the significant pressures and challenges, Quyên has never ceased striving. “With support from my family and friends, I’ve had the strength to persevere and remain committed to this profession,” she said.

Quyên recounts the story of Long, a student who had struggled to learn in an inclusive educational environment for nine years, gaining little knowledge. Upon joining C5, Long quickly adapted, made remarkable progress, and even became the “big brother” who actively helped his classmates.

“Long taught me that effort is never wasted. The progress these students make is the greatest source of motivation for me to continue this journey,” she said.

Image: Long confidently stands in front of the class, presenting about the picture as part of Ms. Quyen's lesson

Looking to the future, she hopes for the establishment of more specialized schools and centers for the deaf, along with better policies to ensure deaf children receive the same educational opportunities as their peers.

Images/The Daily Shift

For those aspiring to teach deaf students, she advises: “Sign language is the key. Learn it well and practice diligently to become the bridge that connects these children to society.”

The story of this deaf teacher at C5 stands as a testament to resilience and the aspiration for change. Through her quiet yet determined efforts, she has not only transformed her own life but also illuminated the future for dozens of deaf children. She is a symbol of perseverance and humanity in the education of the deaf community.

Located at No. 25, Alley 137, Đại Mỗ Street, Nam Từ Liêm District, Hanoi, Class C5 was established in 2016. Today, the center serves as a nurturing environment for 47 deaf students, supported by a dedicated team of six deaf teachers and one hearing teacher. With a teaching approach that combines sign language and Vietnamese, the center helps students develop both communication skills and academic knowledge effectively.

In your opinion, what kind of support do deaf children in Vietnam need to have better job opportunities in the future?

• Higher education
• Employment aid from the Government
• All of the above