On 17th April, Hurst College hosted a fundraising event in support of DeafKidz International (DKI), raising £500 to support deaf children and young people worldwide.
The partnership between DKI and Hurst began in September 2024 when the college’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee invited DKI to deliver its first school edition of Sign and Dine. Following the success of that session, Caroline Palmer, DKI’s Global Ambassador, began running regular British Sign Language (BSL) classes for students.
Led by teacher and housemistress Jami, the EDI Committee has played a key role in promoting BSL and raising awareness of deaf children’s rights. The students showed consistent commitment, taking part enthusiastically and learning about DKI’s work with care and curiosity.
Motivated to contribute further, the students decided to adapt DKI’s popular Sign and Wine event for the school community. They prepared two songs in BSL to perform on the night, and Jami worked with the catering team to create a South African-inspired menu, highlighting the region at the heart of DKI’s work.
Attendees included staff, parents, and members of the local community. Caroline introduced guests to three wines, teaching relevant BSL signs along the way, and kept the tone light and engaging.
The EDI Committee then performed Sweet Caroline in BSL as a tribute to their teacher. Their clarity and confidence impressed everyone in the room. This was followed by a short speech from DKI’s Events, Fundraising and Communications Manager, who shared more about the charity’s mission and the importance of ongoing support.
The students closed their performance with Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer, and the evening ended with remarks from Phoebe, Head of Psychology at Hurst.
The event was a great success, with many guests trying their hand at BSL and contributing to the total raised. DKI is extremely grateful to everyone who attended, and to Hurst College for its continued partnership and dedication.
We look forward to working together again soon.