Pupils in South Africa code sign language dictionary
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Two pupils at St Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg, South Africa, are building a South African Sign Language (SASL) dictionary using coding to help classmates understand unfamiliar terms.
They began the project through the school’s Coding for Inclusion club, launched in 2024 with support from iSchoolAfrica Education Trust. The club provides 60 pupils, aged seven to 20, with iPads, coding applications, and robotics kits.
Deaf pupils in South Africa face barriers to quality education, including under-resourced schools, a shortage of SASL-proficient teachers, and inaccessible curricula. A 2024 report revealed fewer than 40% of deaf pupils complete Grade 12.
The pupils’ dictionary addresses communication challenges, as many deaf students lack support at home or in mainstream schools. iSchoolAfrica director Michelle Lissoos explained that coding itself overcomes communication barriers, stating, “Coding reaches beyond those barriers, as it is its own language.” The program aims to help schools create lasting digital learning environments where students can solve problems and develop solutions for their communities.
Leonardo Jordaan, a student in the coding club, said the program expanded his view of future possibilities beyond academics.
