Empowering the next generation: Lisa Abrahams' journey as a deaf educator

A newly qualified educator who once navigated the challenges of deaf and mainstream schooling is now entering Cape Town classrooms with a clear mission: to inspire Deaf learners to “dream boldly and persevere”.

Lisa Abrahams, who graduated with a Diploma in Grade R Teaching during CPUT’s Summer Graduation, says the achievement reflects “years of determination, resilience and passion”.

Abrahams’ schooling began at the Dominican School for Deaf Children, where she enrolled at age three, before moving to Immaculata Girls’ High School, where she matriculated in 2000. “It was extremely challenging, but it helped me improve my speech and learn how to socialise with the hearing world,” she recalls.

She said her deaf identity and lived experience anchor her classroom approach. “I connect with deaf children in a way that hearing teachers sometimes cannot, they understand me better because I share their experiences and communicate naturally in sign language,” she explained.

Energetic and creative, she incorporates sport and art into her lessons. “I am energetic and love sports and art, so I bring enthusiasm, creativity, and movement into the classroom, encouraging children to explore, participate, and express themselves,” she says. “Having been a learner in the same school, I know how important encouragement is, and I aim to inspire my students to be confident, active, and engaged in learning.”

Her studies at CPUT required constant adaptation. “I navigated classrooms and assessments by asking questions when I didn’t understand and using sign language to communicate,” she added. “During practical teaching, I adapted my methods and relied on my determination and guidance from supportive teachers to succeed.”

She credits her family for pushing her forward. “The person who motivated me the most to study further was my mother. She never gave up on me and constantly pushed me to reach my goals. That support is why I am where I am today, as a Grade R teacher,” she said. “My sister also supported me a lot, especially with subjects like English and Afrikaans, which I struggled with, helping me to pass matric. They mean the world to me.”

She also thanked Jabaar Mohammed, director of DeafSA in the Western Cape, for his support.

Now stepping into the profession, Abrahams hopes to serve as the role model she once needed. “I want to be a role model for Deaf learners, showing them that they can achieve their dreams,” she said. “I aim to create a learning environment where children feel included, confident, and encouraged to explore, play, and express themselves through sports, art, and active learning. I also want to use my experiences to support their language development and help them navigate challenges with confidence.”

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