Humanitarian aid organisation , Gift of the Givers and Bonitas , have partnered on an audiology programme to assist children with hearing difficulties . The programme was launched at Spearman Road Primary School , in Sydenham , KZN on Thursday , 23 March . Click here to view a video of the launch .
The Gift of the Givers team tested learners at the school , who form part of the 15 860 learners participating in this audiology project .
Lee Callakoppen , Principal Officer , said the Gift of the Givers Foundation is internationally recognised for its swift disaster response , community support and healthcare interventions and the Fund is delighted to be working with them .‘ We are truly excited by this partnership and know this audiology project will have a profound impact on so many lives ,’ he said .
Bonitas has generously sponsored the entire programme for the 2023 teaching year , at a cost of R1.7 million .
Gift of the Givers founder , Dr Imtiaz Sooliman , said he values the ongoing partnership with Bonitas . ‘ Children ’ s learning is substantially compromised by hearing difficulties , reducing the possibility forprogress and achievement . Appropriate , early intervention is critical to make a meaningful impact on the academic development of the learner .’ Spearman Road Primary School principal , Ms Zibuyule
Nzama , said she was thrilled that the school , which is 49 years old with a very diverse profile of learners , was chosen to be part of the project . ‘ As educators we understand the importance hearing has on the learning and development of our learners . We are grateful to both Bonitas and Gift of the Givers for making this project a reality and helping us screen our learners . Children with undiagnosed hearing loss are often misdiagnosed as suffering from learning disabilities , ADHD or even autism spectrum disorder . They often present with poor school performance , poor attention as well as speech and language difficulties .’
The Kuduwave audiometer Audiologist and head of the audiology project , Ms Taskeen Ameer , said a South African manufactured portable audiometer , called the Kuduwave , is being used for the project . ‘ This state-of-the-art , medically certified device , has revolutionised the testing and diagnosis of auditory related deficiencies . It combines a headset , audiometer and sound booth into a single , lightweight device , which can be used in just about any location .
‘ Two Kuduwave units are used to increase capacity and reduce downtime . Each test takes between 5 to 15 minutes ,’ said Ameer .
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2023
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