“Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one person can embrace it.”

Hearing is a gift, an invisible bridge that connects us to knowledge, relationships, and the world around us. Yet, for many, hearing loss remains a silent struggle, unnoticed until it becomes an obstacle to education, communication, and opportunity. How can a student learn if she cannot hear the teacher’s voice? How can a mother respond to her child’s whispers if silence has crept into her world?

On March 3rd and 4th, 2025, Foundation for Revive Community Hope (FRECHO) stood at the forefront of change, transforming Nyankumbu Girls Secondary School in Geita into a hub of empowerment, advocacy, and action. This initiative, supported by the World Hearing Forum and the Coalition for Global Hearing Health, was not just a celebration of World Hearing Day it was a call to action, a movement to break myths, bridge gaps, and amplify voices long unheard.

For two days, students, teachers, community members, and policymakers came together not only to help people hear better but to listen deeply to the importance of hearing health itself.

“A bird will always use another bird’s feathers to build its nest.” Progress is built on shared knowledge, partnerships, and unity.

Understanding that true impact goes beyond a single event, we structured our intervention into three pillars of transformation:
a. Education & Awareness: Equipping individuals with the knowledge to prevent hearing loss.
b. Hearing Screening, Earwax Removal & Hearing Aid Maintenance: Providing life-changing health services.
c. Policy & Community Advocacy: Ensuring hearing health remains a long-term priority.

Each of these elements played a crucial role in turning Nyankumbu Girls Secondary School into a center for hearing health empowerment.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Hearing loss is not just a medical condition it is a barrier to learning, communication, and social inclusion. Yet, in many communities, it is misunderstood, underestimated, or ignored. To combat this, we launched a powerful awareness campaign that reached individuals across different sectors of society.

Who We Reached:

i. 1,300+ students; Educated on hearing loss prevention, safe listening habits, and the dangers of untreated ear infections. They learned how exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage and how simple habits like reducing headphone volume can protect their hearing for life.

ii. 44 teachers; Trained to recognize early signs of hearing difficulties in students, ensuring that no child is left behind due to an undiagnosed condition. They also committed to adjusting electronic device usage at home, setting an example for safe listening.12 local leaders and policymakers; Engaged in discussions on sustainable hearing healthcare policies, exploring ways to integrate hearing care into education and public health programs.

iii. 100+ community members; Actively participated in interactive awareness sessions, debunking myths and learning practical ways to protect their hearing.

Yet, awareness should never be confined within four walls. We leveraged digital and traditional media to ensure our message echoed beyond the school compound:
   i. WhatsApp Groups; Critical messages reached over 1,000+ people, including school, community, and leadership groups.
   ii. Instagram & Facebook; Personal and organizational accounts spread powerful testimonies, engaging a broader audience beyond Geita.
   iii. Storm FM Radio Broadcast; A compelling awareness program reached 20,000+ listeners, making hearing health a household conversation.

The response was immediate and transformative. Students pledged to become hearing health ambassadors, teachers adopted new classroom strategies, and community members embraced the importance of hearing check-ups.

This was not just an awareness campaign it was the birth of a movement, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or background, has the opportunity to hear, learn, and thrive.

“It is the ear that listens, but it is the heart that understands.”

For many, hearing loss is a slow thief, stealing clarity without warning. A student may struggle in silence, misjudged as inattentive. A worker may feel increasingly isolated, unable to follow conversations. A teacher unknowingly calls on a student who cannot hear her words.

At Nyankumbu Girls Secondary School, we refused to let silence steal potential. The hearing screening and earwax removal program became a turning point for many, revealing hidden struggles and offering instant solutions.

Screening & Treatment Results:

i. 248 individuals underwent hearing tests, revealing profound insights:

ii. 18 individuals diagnosed with hearing loss; Referred for specialized medical evaluation, unlocking access to support they had never known they needed.

iii. 41 individuals experiencing hearing difficulties due to excessive earwax; their hearing fully restored through safe removal, bringing instant clarity.

iv. 189 individuals with normal hearing; Educated on preventive measures, ensuring lifelong hearing health.

For some, the realization was overwhelming. One student, moments after treatment, whispered in disbelief:

“I never knew the world was this clear. I always thought this was how everyone heard.”

The emotions were raw shock, joy, and a newfound sense of possibility. Parents embraced their children. Teachers witnessed students’ faces light up. This was more than a medical intervention it was a deeply human experience.

“A river that forgets its source will soon dry up.” Sustainable change in healthcare cannot exist without policy backing and strong leadership.

We brought together policymakers, education officials, and community leaders to ensure that hearing health is not just a one-time event, but a permanent priority.

Key discussion points included:
Integrating hearing screenings into school health programs.

Making hearing care part of routine primary healthcare services.

Mobilizing resources for assistive devices, such as hearing aids, for those in need.

By the end of these discussions, leaders committed to action, taking steps to integrate hearing health into community development plans.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

The World Hearing Day 2025 initiative was not an event it was a revolution. But true transformation requires continuity. Moving forward, we propose:
🔹 Expanding screenings to more schools and public centers.
🔹 Training educators and healthcare workers to detect hearing loss early.
🔹 strengthening government collaboration for accessible hearing aids.
🔹 Leveraging media & technology to expand outreach.

With the Coalition for Global Hearing Health, World Hearing Forum, and our committed partners, we can continue breaking the silence for thousands more.

Thank you to;

• Coalition for Global Hearing Health & World Hearing Forum – for their unwavering support.
• Nyankumbu Girls Secondary School & Geita Community – for their enthusiasm and commitment.
• Our dedicated volunteers & healthcare professionals – for making this initiative possible.

Hearing is not just about sound it is about being heard.

Let’s build a future where no voice goes unheard.