With his extensive expertise and experience as a Deaf mental health professional, Herbert Klein has dramatically and profoundly impacted the communities he has served. For six months, Herbert has worked with local organizations in Indonesia to train staff, establish projects, and advocate for the inclusion of Deaf individuals in disaster recovery plans.
Find out more below!
6 Month mission
18 flights
22 Destinations
18 workshops
Support development of resources with Deaf organisations and UN
Promote Mental Health awareness
Put Deaf People mental health on the agenda at government level
Share good practices
GOOD MENTAL HEALTH IS VITAL FOR DEAF PEOPLE’S PROGRESSION AND WELLBEING
Jonny Nelson, Remark!’s Managing Director, surprises Herbert with the good news. “Kudos to Herbert. It is amazing that he is giving up 6 months of his life to help another country develop their resources.”
Remark! are sponsoring Herbert and his small team by covering their expenses including travel within Indonesia, accommodation, food and training rooms. We want Herbert and his team to focus on the good work they are doing rather than worrying about fundraising while on the trip!
Herbert lands in Bali safely
In the video, we show you his team who he will be working with in Indonesia for 6 months to help train staff and set up Mental Health related projects in Indonesia.
Herbert visits a Deaf Village and was shocked
Herbert was expecting a lively village full of happy and signing Deaf people as there would be no isolation in a Deaf village. The reality is the Deaf community lived in extreme poverty and did hard labour from dawn till dusk ours just to survive day by day.
* Warning this video may be distressing to watch *
United Nations UN global disaster risk conference
Herbert explains how this conference deliberated actions to reduce disaster risk for the most vulnerable, including Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. He discovered many emotive stories from Deaf people who had first-hand experiences with disasters, and also met a real-life Deaf rescue specialist which lifted Herbert’s heart.
Herbert finds out the low levels of Deaf people getting an education
Herbert is at this Deaf school in the Deaf village, he is very proud as he follows the story of the only Deaf Teacher in the school. She explains “Here, Deaf people are seen as stupid. They can’t read or write.” A determined character saw her overcome many challenges in her quest to be a Teacher. She has contributed to the education of 60,000 profoundly and severely Deaf children.
INDONESIA in numbers
1
Herbert
6
Months
22
Flights
17,342
Miles travelled
4,000,000
Deaf pepople
285,000,000
Population
Herbert is in Aceh learning how the 2004 Tsunami truly wrecked the lives of millions of people. Many mental scars was created in the Deaf Community, it will take time and support to deal with their experiences.
* Warning this video may be distressing to watch *
Herbert found this unique culture where it’s more tranquil and more accepting of Death. Family ties were stronger as family memories are cherished more as everyone would grow up hearing about great stories as told by their Great Grandfather who they will also pass on to their children. I have noticed more positive mental health compared to other regions - maybe this is why?
* Warning this video may be distressing to watch *
Indonesia Documentary
Screening in london
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Deaf people face many challenges and barriers in accessing mental health support, especially in developing countries such as Indonesia. Herbert Klein, a retired deaf mental health professional, decided to volunteer his time and expertise to help improve the situation for the Deaf community of Indonesia. Herbert spent six months working with local organisations training staff, establishing projects, and advocating for the inclusion of Deaf people in disaster recovery plans.
Remark! Community, a UK-based charity that supports Deaf people in London, followed Herbert's journey and documented his work in a 45-minute film called "Deaf Indonesia: Herbert's Mission". The film showcases his achievements and challenges, as well as the stories and perspectives of Deaf people in Indonesia. The film also highlights the diversity and richness of Indonesian sign language and Deaf culture.
The film was screened twice in London, with Herbert and other guests attending and answering questions from the audience. The screenings were a huge success, raising over £2,000 for Remark! Community. The film was also well received by the Deaf community and the general public, raising awareness and understanding of the issues faced by deaf people in Indonesia and elsewhere.
Remark! Community wants to thank everyone who attended the screenings and who supports their work. They also want to express their gratitude to Herbert for his dedication and generosity. We hope that the film will inspire more people to make a difference for Deaf people around the world.