Through the implementation of the project, the aim of GOGB and HDPZJ was to enhance the educational offerings of SZJ and HZJ by crafting tailored curricula for novices alongside a high-quality textbook. An additional focus was to integrate individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing into the teaching framework. Since 2022, GOGB has spearheaded nationally accredited programs dedicated to organizing SZJ courses ranging from A1 to B2 levels according to the CEFR standards. These courses are structured within Module 1, followed by Module 2, which caters to students aspiring to become proficient Serbian Sign Language interpreters. However, the endeavor to develop instructional materials for SZJ and HZJ encountered substantial challenges due to the scarcity of research and documentation surrounding these languages. Instead of drawing from a wealth of documented linguistic examples, the authors found themselves relying on the expertise of a select few sign language linguists and a cohort of fluent SZJ and HZJ deaf signers. This necessitated a meticulous process of selecting topics and grammar units for the textbook, with frequent revisions and verification stages.
Through this project, Gradska Organizacija Gluvih Beograda (Belgrade Deaf Organization) and Hrvatsko Društvo Prevoditelja Znakovnog Jezika (Croatian Association of Sign Language Interpreters) aimed to address the growing demand for a high-quality textbook to learn Serbian Sign Language (Srpski Znakovni Jezik or SZJ) and Croatian Sign Language (Hrvatski Znakovni Jezik or HZJ) at the beginner's level. This textbook was developed based on a meticulously designed curriculum, crafted in close collaboration and consultation with deaf users of SZJ and HZJ. By actively involving deaf individuals and a select group of experts in SZJ and HZJ, the project produced a pioneering textbook. The textbook provides an overview of the fundamental principles of SZJ and HZJ grammar, supplemented by a diverse range of video materials in both languages. These resources are intended to enhance the learning experience and facilitate the acquisition of SZJ and HZJ at the beginner's level.