EBU (Junior Group) Fine Work "What braille enabled me to do" Federica Gallo (14, female, Italy) |
In order to write this essay I think it would be a good idea if I introduce myself and let you share my experiences. My name is F. I am a fourteen-year-old girl in the first year at the ... classical studies secondary school. I live in S., where I was born and have grown up. I am in a scout group(SR10) which keeps me busy every week and I have been blind since birth. Having introduced myself it will be easier for you to understand why Braille has helped me grow and so far obtain excellent results at school and in my social life. I am a "cultural asset" to be cherished and loved. Whoever has got to know me along the way has enriched their knowledge by learning my way of writing and this has enabled us to get to know each other better and be equals. I have now been integrated into a state school and, thanks to my books that have been transcribed into Braille by the Regional Printing Works in Sicily, I can usually follow the school syllabuses. My classmates would like Braille lessons. I find my writing "intelligent". It stimulates the memory: dot 1... dot 2... etc. My English teachers(mother tongue) and my Latin and Greek teacher, who I see in the afternoon for private lessons so that they can give me some extra help, would like to learn Braille. I read Greek, thanks to my Braille! I am a pioneer of Braille because... at the age of three I started nursery school run by the local council, and when my small friends started to practise basic writing, I also started with my stylus, under the supervision of my support teacher, by writing "a" many times(dot 1 top right) and so on. And when the others used a book to learn how to read and write, my parents went personally to the Printing Works to have the book produced in Braille. I cherish it dearly. In the first year at primary school I was ready. In the afternoon I did my homework with the help of my mother, who has also learnt something from me. Even today she helps me in order to speed up my homework, because I want to do everything that has been written down in my diary for the following day. Nowadays I can say that Braille has been an excellent springboard that, together with my enthusiasm, has enabled me to get good marks at school and integrate me socially. So Braille has helped me to be more confident, as education together with a good upbringing are the most important things for young people, like me, who are your tomorrow. With love |
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