Miss-Delectable
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Deaf and dumb tops - Fiji Times Online
PAULA Ranatawake is deaf and mute but that has not stopped him from working as a welder and fabricator for 15 years.
Deaf and mute since birth, Paula is regarded as one of the most hardworking employees at PA Lal Coachwork at Walu Bay, Suva.
His hard work and long service was rewarded on Wednesday when he received the award for the company's longest serving employee.
Originally from Suvavou Village in Lami, Paula attended the Hilton Special School and was hired by the company as a welder and fabricator.
Looking at him working at the company garage yesterday made it hard to believe Paula cannot speak or hear.
His job involves putting together the front and back of buses so the final touch of painting and last-minute alterations can be carried out.
Asked in sign language how he managed to work so successfully, Paula explained he had no trouble interacting with the rest of the staff.
"He is a nice person and he knows his job very well and that makes him a good friend and colleague," a co-worker said.
Paula is married and has two children.
PA Lal managing director Richard Lal said the company employed four disabled people.
The company works in collaboration with the Hilton Special School.
"Even though the boys have not gone to training school for the disabled they are still able to communicate with them and we are amazed at the bond that has been created between them," said Mr Lal.
PAULA Ranatawake is deaf and mute but that has not stopped him from working as a welder and fabricator for 15 years.
Deaf and mute since birth, Paula is regarded as one of the most hardworking employees at PA Lal Coachwork at Walu Bay, Suva.
His hard work and long service was rewarded on Wednesday when he received the award for the company's longest serving employee.
Originally from Suvavou Village in Lami, Paula attended the Hilton Special School and was hired by the company as a welder and fabricator.
Looking at him working at the company garage yesterday made it hard to believe Paula cannot speak or hear.
His job involves putting together the front and back of buses so the final touch of painting and last-minute alterations can be carried out.
Asked in sign language how he managed to work so successfully, Paula explained he had no trouble interacting with the rest of the staff.
"He is a nice person and he knows his job very well and that makes him a good friend and colleague," a co-worker said.
Paula is married and has two children.
PA Lal managing director Richard Lal said the company employed four disabled people.
The company works in collaboration with the Hilton Special School.
"Even though the boys have not gone to training school for the disabled they are still able to communicate with them and we are amazed at the bond that has been created between them," said Mr Lal.