With remarkable poise and unwavering confidence, this student defied the norm. She fearlessly delivered her inaugural speech in New Zealand Sign Language, leaving the audience in awe of her extraordinary courage.

Eleana had only been in New Zealand for ten weeks and at school for six weeks when she presented this speech. Her speech was about her trip to New Zealand, saying goodbye to her cats and classmates at the deaf school and the long time spent on the plane. Eleana came to New Zealand from the Philippines, where she grew up using American Sign Language (ASL), so to stand up in front of her new class so soon was heartwarming. Her mum came along to watch and was very proud of her daughter.

Eleana was welcomed into her class with enthusiasm, and now the students are learning NZSL alongside her. She has a great sense of humour and gives everything at school a go. Eleana has many beautiful stories to share about growing up in the Philippines and about her new life on the farm in Hinds, 20 minutes south of Ashburton. She likes New Zealand but is finding it cold.

Great work, Eleana!