Grameenphone celebrates International sign Language day
Grameenphone, the leading mobile operator in Bangladesh, recently observed International Sign Language Day, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for hearing—and speech-impaired individuals to participate in society.
Through innovative initiatives and a commitment to breaking communication barriers, Grameenphone aims to empower everyone to participate fully in a connected world.
To further enhance accessibility for the hearing and speech-impaired community, Grameenphone provides the SignLine service, enabling users to access telecommunications solutions via video calls. To ensure adequate support, all agents at Grameenphone Experience Centres have received basic sign language training from expert Arafat Lata, empowering them to connect customers seamlessly to the online SignLine service for tailored assistance. Additionally, Grameenphone has launched a curated Sign Language Playlist on its YouTube channel, offering tutorials on everyday signs and frequently asked telecom services. Customers can easily access support through the MyGP SignLine link, reinforcing Grameenphone's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all.
This year, to celebrate International Sign Language Day, Grameenphone shared a touching video on its official Facebook page under the theme, "If you don't understand everyone's world, how will the world be for everyone?" The video features Mukta, a young sign language expert who serves as an interpreter for her brother Ifti, who will soon join university, and many others like her hearing and speech-impaired brother. Mukta's journey highlights the significance of communication and the transformative power of understanding.
She said, "I learned sign language because my parents and brother are all hearing and speech-impaired, even though I am not. I became a Sign Language interpreter to help others like my brother communicate and connect, and it fills me with purpose."
As part of its ongoing Digital Inclusion project, Grameenphone with Plan International Bangladesh addresses the urgent need to equip marginalised communities with digital skills, including ethnic minorities and disabled individuals. This two-year initiative offers customized training in digital skills and online safety, empowering individuals to access vital digital services, educational resources, and employment opportunities. The initiative has already trained over 2.1 million people across 32 districts, with 65% of participants being women. By utilizing a blend of in-person training, community radio education, and youth-led campaigns, Grameenphone is not only advocating for the rights of these communities but also enhancing their overall quality of life by fostering greater participation in the digital economy. Additionally, the company is dedicated to fostering and uphold a robust approach for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.