The University of Makeni’s Department of Inclusion and Special Needs Education (ISNE), in partnership with St. Joseph’s School for the Hearing Impaired, conducted hearing screenings at local primary and elementary schools on Friday, March 3rd, for World Hearing Day.
I was told that this was the first screening of this kind in the area in over 30 years. This seems hard to believe because in the US, children are given hearing screenings as part of their preschool screenings. It’s just part of the process in the US and probably all other more developed countries.
But here there are big barriers like acquiring the audiometers and having electricity to run them (most schools do not have electricity).
Teachers (and ISNE students) from St. Joseph’s conducted the screenings after receiving updated training from Monica Tomlin, a long-time friend of St. Joseph’s and hearing impairment expert from the UK.
Children waited in line for their turn, their ears were checked, and then they were given directions for the audiometer screening.
Each screening only takes 2 minutes!
When children with hearing loss can be identified and provided with support early, they have better long-term learning outcomes!
At the end of the day we discussed what went well and what could be improved for next year!
Excellent work ISNE and St. Joseph’s School!