Our Hearing for Learning team have commenced the ground-breaking initiative to train and employ remote community members to qualify as ear health facilitators who can assist with the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media and hearing loss in children.

 

During 2019, the Hearing for Learning team travelled around the Northern Territory to invite 20 communities to participate in the initiative. Prior to travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 response, training had begun in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island with 13 community members and in Kalkaringi with nine trainees - all training to become ear experts. This training has now been postponed with plans being developed to recommence when travel restrictions are lifted and it is culturally appropriate to return to communities.

 

While the initiative’s on-country training program is on hold, the training team is focused on supporting service providers with their COVID-19 response. This shift is supported by our Expert Board, chaired by AMSANT CEO, John Paterson and our funding partners.
 

As a partnership, we are working together to build resilience and ensure the safety of the communities who have so generously committed to the Hearing for Learning Initiative.

 

The Hearing for Learning Initiative was launched in 2018 with $7.9 million in joint funding from the Northern Territory and Australian governments and The Balnaves Foundation, over five years. All key stakeholders have agreed to extend the duration of the project.

 

For more information about the Hearing for Learning Initiative, visit our website.