Language Without Borders: Hasanuddin University Invites Visually Impaired Students to Learn Mandarin

The Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Hasanuddin University, held a collaboration agreement signing ceremony, which was combined with a Community Service activity at the YAPTI Makassar Special Needs School (A). The event carried the theme "Language Without Borders: Inclusive Mandarin Learning for Visually Impaired Students."

The event was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Partnerships, Research, Innovation, and Alumni of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Dr. Wahyuddin, M.Hum., who in his remarks expressed his appreciation for the Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture study program's initiative in providing inclusive and meaningful learning for the community.

"This activity is not only an implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, but also a concrete manifestation of academic commitment to equal access to education for all," said Dr. Wahyuddin in his remarks.

This activity was initiated by Ms. Sukma, S.S., M.TCSOL., a lecturer in the Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture Study Program, who explained that the main goal of this activity was to provide opportunities for people with visual impairments to learn and understand Mandarin.

"We want to show that language knows no boundaries. With an inclusive and adaptive learning approach, our friends with disabilities can learn Mandarin and use it as a foundation for achieving their dreams in the future," said Ms. Sukma.

In the community service session, lecturers and students from the Mandarin Language Study Program at Hasanuddin University introduced basic Mandarin characters, pronunciation (pinyin), and simple vocabulary using audio and tactile-based methods tailored to the needs of blind students. The atmosphere was warm and interactive, with high enthusiasm from the students of SLB-A YAPTI, who eagerly participated in each learning session.

In addition to language instruction, this activity also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, and the Special Needs School for A-Level Students (SLB-A) YAPTI Makassar, as an initial step in establishing ongoing collaboration in education and developing language inclusion programs.

Through this activity, Hasanuddin University affirmed its commitment to continue playing an active role in developing inclusive and equitable education. This program is expected to inspire other educational institutions to also open access to learning for people with disabilities, so that the spirit of "Language Without Borders" can truly be realized in real life.