December 2016 when PAIDE successfully held a run for a cause entitled, “RUN TO SIGN,” at the Philippine Sports Commission (formerly known as Ultra) in Pasig City which main goals are to raise awareness about the deaf community to the public and raise funds for the scholarship of 20 selected public school teachers who serve in different deaf communities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The organization remain committed to its vision to continuously produce competent sign language interpreters in the Philippines and has started to accept scholars for the Sign Language Interpreter Training Program since 2017 and vows to accept at least 3 scholars in a year until it reaches its original goal of 20 scholars.

PAIDE has already produced three (3) sign language interpreters through this scholarship program that started in 2017. They are public school teachers from their respective cities namely: Ms. Maureen Lopez of Quezon City, Mr. Kouji Coloma of Mandaluyong City and Ms. Malou Serra of Quezon City.

Here’s what they have to say about the PAIDE’s Sign Language Interpreter Training Program Scholarship.

 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Philippine Association of Interpreters Deaf Empowerment (PAIDE) for giving me the privilege of being the recipient of their scholarship for two years. I couldn’t express my gratitude enough because what they gave to me was not just a free education but also a handful of great experiences and life-changing lessons. With the dedication, support and motivation from our mentors and deaf friends I overcame my struggles in the training program. I am beyond happy to be part of the PAIDE family. I acquired lots of knowledge in interpreting especially during our practicum in Immaculate of Conception Parish Church. Not just that, I also made friends with the people who had same interests with me. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful family for they always gives the best for their students. I am the living proof of their excellence.”

— Maureen Lopez, SHS Teacher & Sign Language Interpreter

 

Ms. Maureen on her practicum at ICCP, Marikina

Showing her Level 4 Certificate of Completion during PAIDE’s Christmas Party

Culminating day of her graduation after 5 levels of SLIT with her batch mates and Sir Jun Celada, their trainer and PAIDE’s CEO

 

“My lifelong dream of attending sign language class is moving forward, thanks to generous scholarships like yours. Since being named one of the recipients of the PAIDE, Inc. Scholarship, my dream is becoming a reality. The sign language interpreting gives me an opportunity to earn skills that will serve the Deaf community. Thank you personally for your generosity: Without scholarship patrons willing to support sign language class, students such as myself would be unable to pursue interpreting.” 

— Kouji Coloma, SpEd Teacher & Sign Language Interpreter

Sir Kouji on his practicum for SLIT Level 5 at ICCP, Marikina

In his SpEd classroom with deaf students in ERIS, Mandaluyong

With other sign language interpreters during the Golden Hands Awards 2019

 

“I am thankful for the great opportunity that you’ve given me as one of your lucky scholars. It helps me a lot in my teaching profession and most importantly it redound to the benefit of my deaf pupils in inclusive education. We were able to communicate effectively through the learning process with sign language as a medium of communication. It is self fulfilling to see my deaf pupils happy and actively participating in the discussion and make them feel that they are truly understood and appreciated. I made all of these because of PAIDE, thank you so much.”

— Malou Serra, SpEd Teacher & Sign Language Interpreter

Ms. Malou on her practicum for SLIT Level 5 at ICCP, Marikina

With her batchmates during performance on a culminating program at PAIDE

With PAIDE Sign Language Trainers

Currently, there are three more scholars who are undergoing the scholarship program namely: Mr. Jeffrey Silva (from Marikina), Mr. Jimmy Abaya (from Quezon City), Ms. Gilanne Enriquez (from Mandaluyong City) and are hoping to complete the said program to be of service of the Deaf.

If you are aspiring to be one of the scholars or you have someone to recommend, you may send an application letter to paide96@yahoo.com and write how you or the person is deserving to be granted of the scholarship.

Together we will help resolve the clamor of Deaf community for qualified sign language interpreters with a 💚.