September 23: International Sign Language Day, Educational Technologies Day

Today, September 23, many countries around the world celebrate International Sign Language Day. The event was launched in 2017 at the initiative of the United Nations, UNN defeated.

The first sign languages ​​for people with hearing impairments emerged in the Middle Ages. In 1620, Spanish monk Juan Pablo de Monet published the first sign language book, which included an alphabet with images of finger and hand movements that indicated certain sounds.

In 1760, the world’s first sign language school opened in France.

In the first half of the nineteenth century, similar schools emerged in the United Kingdom and the United States. Unfortunately, the idea that sign language was harmful later prevailed.

In 1880, at the conference of teachers working with deaf students in Milan, it was decided that sign languages ​​should be banned in all educational institutions. Deaf children were taught to speak like normal people and to lip-read.

In 1960, William Stokey compiled the first dictionary of sign language. The linguist proved that it has absolutely all the characteristics of a full-fledged language.

Today, there are about 300 sign languages ​​used in the world. There is even a universal international sign language.

September 23 is also Educational Technologies Day.

The history of educational technology dates back to the introduction of copying machines, such as the Gestetner stencil and mimeograph, into schools and universities. These early devices allowed for short runs of copies, making them useful for classroom use.

In the mid-1960s, the introduction of computers in schools marked the beginning of a real technical revolution. Initially, they were used to teach spelling and arithmetic in primary school using specially designed programs.

Another event today is related to education: Combating Underachievement in Secondary School Children Day.

The aim is to spread the message that in many countries, especially poor countries, many children drop out of school and do not attend secondary education. We also want to involve governments and NGOs in combating this phenomenon.

In honor of the adoption of a law on September 23, 1913 to combat child prostitution, events are being held today to mark the International Day against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Women and Children.

According to statistics, 46% of victims of human trafficking are women and 19% are underage girls.

Sexual exploitation remains the most common form of human trafficking at 50%, followed by forced labour at 38%.

According to the church calendar, today is the day that John the Baptist was conceived.

John the Baptist was born into the family of the priest Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth, who led a pious life. They were both old and had no children.

One day, while Zechariah was burning a censer in the temple, the archangel Gabriel came to him and told him that he would have a son, who would be called John. This son would be great in the sight of God and would bring great joy to the people of Israel.

Zacharias did not believe the archangel, so Gabriel robbed the man of his speech. He did not speak until after his newborn son was named John.

Name days on September 23 are celebrated by Ivan, Andrii, Yevhen, Pavlo, Petro, Iraida.