Newly graduated ear health facilitators in Wurrumiyanga on the Tiwi Islands and Kalkarindji will provide local knowledge and expertise when checking the ears and hearing of children in their community.
Menzies celebrated the first graduates of its Hearing for Learning Initiative who have gained Certificate II training in Aboriginal Primary Health Care from CARDHS, and enhanced skills in detecting ear and hearing problems in early September.
Graduates will have the opportunity to transition to part-time employment in clinics as ear health facilitators, working with health professionals, families and the schools to help kids who need treatment for their ears and who might not be hearing well.
The Hearing for Learning Initiative is a stepped-wedge trial that will deliver, fund and evaluate on-country training and employment in 20 communities around the NT over the next three years. It is funded by lead philanthropic supporter The Balnaves Foundation, and the Australian and Northern Territory governments.
Tiwi Island graduates with the Hearing for Learning Initiative team at Wurrumiyanga.
Kalkarindji graduates with the Hearing for Learning Initiative team.
Graduate Aileen Tiparui uses her new skills to check the ear health of John Tiparui and Robertson Munkara.
Graduate Sophia Donnelly uses a tympanometer to check ear health.
Just some of the equipment needed to travel to remote Northern Territory communities.