September is Deaf Awareness Month and to mark it several UKZN final-year Audiology students completed what they described as a “rewarding and deeply insightful” community outreach day at the VN Naik School for the Deaf in Newlands, Durban.
The students were Ms Tiara Naidoo, Ms Naasihah Ismail, Ms Marili Breytenbach, Ms Viwe Zikhali, Ms Gcwalisile Ntombela and Ms Aphelele Nyawo.
“This day, along with our event on at Westville Campus’ Quad on 18 September, was part of our Deaf awareness initiative for the year, during which we aim to educate the public about deafness and Deaf culture,” said Naidoo.
It was a fun-filled experience for the school’s learners, educators and UKZN students with entertainment provided, including a magic show and face painting by Bobo the Clown. The South African-based non-profit relief organisation,Ashraful Aid, donated exercise books and stationery, while the international humanitarian organisation, Al Imdaad Foundation, served up breyani for everyone with soft drinks provided by Asmals Hypersave, school shoes and party packs from a variety of sponsors.
“Our students have conducted aural rehabilitation at the school for over 20 years,” said UKZN Audiology lecturer, Dr Nasim Banu Khan. Also, in attendance was Audiology lecturer, Mr Mukovhe Phanguphangu, who visits the facility weekly with students to conduct aural rehabilitation for the learners.
“It’s exciting for me because I planned the event along with a colleague, Naasihah,” said Naidoo. “Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and knowing that we are having an impact on their lives are among the main reasons why I am not only excited but also grateful to be part of the event,”
Naidoo said they had received a warm reception at the school from both staff and learners. “It was a clinic site where you could feel the love. As part of our event we wanted to give back to the school in a small way to show our appreciation for everything they do here,” she said.
The head of the school’s Foundation Phase, Ms Anitha Naidoo, and Principal Ms Sindi Memela, said they had an excellent working relationship with UKZN and this cohort of students.
Naidoo said she enjoyed learning about the ear and hearing in Grade 12, and that had influenced her decision to study Audiology. “I think the scope of the discipline is really wide and we have been exposed to a lot of different contexts that other disciplines may not have. Working in the schools and with the children in different aspects have been highlights for me, especially when signing, as I have learned a lot from the children.”
The day was a precursor to the Audiology discipline’s main Deaf Awareness Campaign event on the Westville campus quad on 18 September, where there was free screening for staff and students as part of the Aural Rehabilitation Clinic.
