Holy Land Institute for the Deaf


The Holy Land Institute for the Deaf is a non-profit foundation located in Salt, Jordan, north of Amman, that provides educational and rehabilitation services for people with hearing impairment. The facility serves approximately 150 male and female students, mostly Jordanian, from the ages of 3 to 20. The institute also provides audiology service and hearing aids, and the outreach program tests children in refugee camps. The "S.T.R.I.D.E." program carries out teacher training in the Middle East.

Subjects and activities

Students at the institute are taught Jordanian Sign Language and typical subjects taught in most schools. Student must also learn a vocational trade. For boys this can be auto mechanics, carpentry, painting, auto bodywork, and metalwork. Girls study homemaking skills: weaving, machine knitting, sewing, and childcare. Both boys and girls study computer skills, printing, ceramics, and earmold manufacturing. Ear molds for hearing aids are made on site.

History

The institute was established in 1964 by Brother Andeweg, a Dutch Anglican priest. In 1977, Brother Andrew de Carpentier came from Beirut to become the school’s director.

Royal visits

The institute was officially opened by the late King Hussein.