2021 - year in review

Written By Wesley Ong

We started the year 2021 hoping that travel to visit our projects would be possible for our volunteers. Despite the pandemic making that difficult, and in some cases impossible, progress has been made in all our projects due to the remarkable people ‘on the ground’ in each location and our long-distance support.

MALAWI

  • After returning to the US in 2020 because of COVID, Dr Jenna continued to run the audiology course remotely, delivering lectures online and providing support. In February 2021, she returned to Malawi with her husband Blake to continue teaching.

  • After five years of resistance and setbacks, the National Council of Higher Education finally approved African Bible College’s Bachelor of Science in audiology degree program this year.

  • The very first graduates of the Bachelor of Audiology were presented with their degrees in June. It was an occasion of huge celebration and great pride for the ten grads!

The first Malawiian audiologists with their course leaders Dr Jenna Vallario and Fletcher Chisalipo.

FIJI

  • Fiji’s local team have continued their education and in offering services to the many families who being supported under this project. They have also provided COVID education, care and support as part of the Frank Hilton organisation community outreach program.

The Frank Hilton team conduct audiology screening and assessments in communities and at the special school, as well as mobility device fitting and maintenance.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

  • PNG has seen many changes to staffing and yet still managed outreach programs and to continue ear care clinics.

EARS CHAMPIONS

  • We saw the launch of EARS Champions when Peter Bartlett ran 200 km in two days to raise awareness and support for EARS Inc. This fund raising project has raised much-needed funds for EARS work.

Pete appreciated the support of friends and family to run the entire 200km on a weekend in July. An amazing achievement!

NEW WEBSITE

  • We are eternally grateful for the skill and generosity of Marci Vallario (Jenna’s sister) who spent many months redesigning and improving our website at no cost.

We are deeply thankful for all those who support and pray for the work of EARS and our courageous field workers.

PS. Jenna and Blake welcomed a baby boy in February, 2022. They will return to Malawi later in the year with little Mason.

Wesley Ong
Next

All Ears No. 24