Peeyusha Ramkallawon and Nahit Fowdar IN PRAISE OF DIFFERENCE ÉLOGE DE LA DIFFÉRENCE The interpreter translates the sign language. He is the link between us until mere looks are sufficient. We meet Peeyusha and Nahit, 18, Beachcomber Artisans with a difference. L’interprète traduit la langue des signes. Il est le lien entre nous jusqu’à ce que les regards seuls suffisent. Rencontre avec Peeyusha et Nahit, 18 ans, Artisans Beachcomber avant d’être handicapés. BY FANNY RIVA – PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANNE-EMMANUELLE THION Their smile is radiant. Overjoyed to be here, at the Shandrani Beachcomber, to be useful, appreciated members of a team. Peeyusha has just been recruited in the spa, where she prepares the therapy booths. Nahit works in the store. “Here, I’m not a deaf person, I’m Nahit.” It’s as simple as that. But it wasn’t always so. They were often ignored by “normal” people or hurt by their fearful, scornful or pitying looks. TOWARDS INCLUSION AND BEYOND These two childhood friends were born and live in the same neighbourhood of Rose Belle, in the south. They learnt sign language, completed their education, and then took part in the From Disability to Ability project. Initiated in 2021 by the Fondation Espoir Développement Beachcomber as part of the Vulnerable Lives Matter programme, funded by the European Union, the project aims to help some fifty young people with disabilities in their professional life for four years. With ten other friends, in the NGO Global Rainbow Foundation centre in Rose Hill for six months, then during their work experience, Peeyusha and Nahit were given lessons in professional life (etiquette, punctuality, organisation, computer skills) and have acquired greater autonomy. “At the end of the course, I realised I’m a woman like any other. It’s the best lesson I’ve learnt,” says Peeyusha with her hands, her eyes bright. So far, twenty-six young people have been trained and eighteen have found a job. In 2023, twenty-one more people with hearing difficulties, and some fifteen young people with mental deficiencies have begun a training course. GROWING WITH THEM The Shandrani Beachcomber teams have also been taught to interact with the newcomers. “They have taught us a lot,” says Shivanee Runghen, learning & development partner who supervised their integration. For Darshan Nudoo, who manages the store’s office, “Nahit’s presence has changed our attitude. He has made us a more unified team.” For Shirley Quirin, spa manager, “Peeyusha has exceeded all expectations, she shows great sensitivity and has good critical thinking skills. We correct each other. We look each other in the eye. We are uncovered, there is no filter.” Sometimes, when they feel confident, the two friends speak aloud. Next time, perhaps. Peeyusha and Nahit have very high standards. And that is their strength. Ils ont un sourire radieux. Trop contents d’être là, au Shandrani Beachcomber. De travailler en équipe, d’être utiles et reconnus. Peeyusha vient d’être recrutée au spa où elle prépare les cabines de soins. Nahit à l’économat. « Ici, je ne suis pas un sourd, je suis Nahit. » C’est aussi simple que cela. Et pourtant ce n’était pas gagné. Le regard apeuré, méprisant ou apitoyé des « valides » les a souvent blessés et laissés de côté. VERS L’INCLUSION ET AU-DELÀ Les deux amis d’enfance sont nés et habitent le même quartier, à Rose Belle, dans le Sud. Ils ont étudié la langue des signes et suivi “THEY HAVE TAUGHT US A LOT.” « ILS NOUS ONT BEAUCOUP APPRIS. »
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