Turn your hands to signing at UCOL

New Zealand Sign is one of New Zealand's three official languages, and now you have the opportunity to learn it - for free.

Whanganui UCOL is offering a free 10-week beginners' course in New Zealand Sign starting on March 13; and a free 10-week conversational course starting on June 12.

Whanganui campus manager Bronwyn Paul said the courses were part of UCOL's adult continuing education (ACE) programme. "ACE has been going for a while but this is the first time we've offered free Sign classes," Ms Paul said.

Sign classes are already offered by another organisation in Whanganui but they are day classes. The UCOL ones are evening classes, making them accessible for working people.
"We saw a gap in the market.

"We're hoping people use them as part of their professional development. They would be particularly useful for those working in health, education and government," Ms Paul said.
"Sign is one of New Zealand's three official languages. We believe that, just like te reo Maori, all New Zealanders should know at least the basics of Sign."

The beginners' course will teach the alphabet, as well as basic greetings. The conversational course will teach people how to hold a conversation in Sign. People can enrol in the conversational course if they already know the basics.

If you would like to know more about the courses, or you'd like to enrol, pop into the UCOL enrolment office on Rutland St, or email Ms Paul at b.paul@ucol.ac.nz .

The Sign courses will also be offered in Palmerston North.