Children with hearing impairments teach MPs and officials sign language

Chișinău, September 25, 2026 – The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova opened its doors to a group of children with hearing impairments, who delivered a powerful and emotional message about inclusion, communication, and participation. On International Day of Sign Languages and International Week of Deaf People, the children presented an artistic performance in the Parliament chamber and taught MPs and employees of the Parliament Secretariat words and expressions in sign language.

Six children with hearing impairments, aged between 13 and 16, opened the Parliament’s plenary session on September 24 by performing the song “As Long as We Live on This Earth” in sign language. Through gestures and expressions, they conveyed the song’s message and were welcomed by MPs with applause in sign language. The moment drew attention to the role of sign language as a means of communication and to the importance of ensuring access for people with hearing impairments to public life.

“International Day of Sign Languages is an opportunity to talk about the right of people with hearing impairments to communication, information, and full participation in society,” said MP Ludmila Adamciuc.

Later, the children became teachers for MPs and employees of the Parliament Secretariat, who took part in a sign language masterclass. Participants learned common expressions such as “hello,” “thank you,” and “I love you,” as well as words and phrases related to public life: “democracy,” “access to freedom,” “decision,” “smile,” and “vote on a law.”

“Each of us is unique and has our own way of communicating, but what should unite us is the desire to understand one another, to be empathetic, and to contribute to a society in which every person feels respected and included. Today, we are taking a step closer to these young people by trying to understand their culture and learn a few words in sign language, so that we can communicate with them more easily,” said Tamara Gheorghița, Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament.

The event was also attended by sign language interpreter Alla Bargan, manager at the Association of the Deaf of Moldova and director of the Republican House of Culture of the Deaf in Moldova. She emphasized that sign language is a living language and a natural means of communication for people with hearing impairments. According to Alla Bargan, activities of this kind help increase understanding of sign language and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and empathetic society.

International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually on September 23 and aims to raise awareness of the rights of people with hearing impairments.

The activity organized at Parliament aimed to promote accessible communication and the participation of people with hearing impairments in public life, as well as to highlight the role of sign language in facilitating social inclusion.

Public Relations and Communication Department of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova