Transforming Lives – Samburu Children Receive the Gift of Hearing
Cinderella Lenato, a learner from our Nomadic Montessori school was one of the six children who received a hearing aid.
Thanks to exceptional acts of kindness, six Samburu community members from Namunyak Community Conservancy now experience life in much more meaningful ways. After previously living in worlds enveloped by silence, they received the gift of hearing – and something most of us take for granted: the presence of sound.
The initiative – a joint effort between The Sarara Foundation (TSF), Audibel Hearing, Starkey Cares, and Jalaram Hospital Nairobi – marked a pivotal moment for these children, and made a profound difference to each of their lives.
A Journey Begins
Our story of hope started in November 2022 at our annual Medical Camp, where TSF’s Nomadic Healthcare team – led by Nurses Dorcas and Parito – discovered four children had hearing impairments. The children, who were born deaf, were referred to the Audibel Centre for Hearing Excellence in Nairobi for further evaluation. It was found that hearing aids would enable them to connect with their surroundings in ways they never had before.
While it was encouraging to learn of a solution, the reality was that hearing aids were just too expensive – and at the time, the process sadly came to a halt.
Ray of Hope
It was a fantastic turn of events when we were notified about a free hearing camp organised by Starkey Cares and Starkey Hearing – and that the children were invited to participate! Accompanied by Nurse Parito, the group – which by then included two additional children – travelled to Nairobi to attend.
7 December 2023 is etched into our memories – because on this bright Thursday, everything changed for these six Samburu children! Under the supervision of the Starkey team and medical experts at Jalaram Hospital, they were all fitted with new hearing aids.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of various role players who helped to turn the dream into a reality! Our heartfelt thanks goes to Starkey Hearing for donating the hearing aids, a generous donor who covered all accommodation and boarding costs in Nairobi, and everyone else who played a part in this heartwarming story of hope.
Looking Ahead
TSF remains committed to transforming lives – one person at a time. Today, six children can hear the laughter of their friends, the voices of their families, and the sounds of nature that surround their homes. This is more than just the gift of hearing; it's the gift of new beginnings!
Our story doesn't end here and as we celebrate these new beginnings, we’re also preparing for the next chapter to continue the work! During our November 2023 Medical Camp, more children and adults from Namunyak were found to be hard of hearing or deaf – and thanks to ongoing efforts and partnerships, they'll also be fitted with hearing aids soon!
The Sarara Foundation's mission goes beyond conservation; it's about creating a harmonious environment where every member of the community can thrive. We are so inspired by the resilience of each of these children – and it reminds us that every gesture of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life! Join us as we continue to celebrate more transformational stories of hope, connection, and change!
