Twenty-year-old Tamara Chinyama from Makunura Village in Senior Chief Nankumba’s area in Mangochi faced significant challenges when she sat for the Junior Certificate Examination (JCE) at Sekwere Community Day Secondary School in 2024.
Her results were a Statement (Fail), which her mother, Elizabeth Chinyama, attributes to Tamara’s hearing problems, that began in her childhood.
Elizabeth shared that despite Tamara’s hard work and dedication, she struggled to understand her teachers in class because of lack a hearing device. Unfortunately, her teachers equally lacked the skills to communicate in sign language, which Tamara barely understands, leading to a serious communication barrier.
Tamara’s hearing difficulties began when she was in standard 6 at Masasa Primary School in her home area in Monkey Bay. Delay in receiving proper medical care worsened her condition, ultimately requiring a hearing aid to assist her.
Elizabeth recalled a fortunate turn of events when some organisation donated a hearing aid, which Tamara used until she completed her standard 8 examinations [Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education].
However, challenges arose again when Tamara entered secondary school without a functioning hearing aid, after the donated one broke down. As a result, her academic performance declined, leading to her failure in government exams the following year.
“I have always wished to see her succeed, and I have done everything I could to obtain a hearing aid for her to use in class, including trying to repair the damaged one,” Elizabeth explained her situation.
Fortunately, Tamara’s path to a brighter future has recently improved. This is after she received a hearing aid from the Department of Special Needs at the Catholic University of Malawi (Cunima). This gift has not only brought a smile to her face but also hope for her future in school.
“My dream is to become a nurse. I want to help others who are dealing with conditions like mine,” Tamara shared her aspirations.
Cunima Department of Special Needs lecturer Donald Eliya noted that many individuals with disabilities struggle to succeed due to a lack of resources.
He urged well-wishers across the country to step in and provide aids for those living with disabilities to empower them.
“Like Tamara, there are many people with disabilities who are unable to thrive in life because they lack the necessary resources,” he said.
Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital audiologist Dave Daison expressed concern about the lack of information regarding early signs of infections that can lead to disabilities.
“Many individuals do not have access to information, leading them to using treatments that exacerbate their conditions. For instance, ear infections are often neglected, and people mistake ear discharges for normal occurrences, when they are actually indicative of more serious issues,” he said.
Tamara and her mother were among those who attended an audiology clinic organised by Cunima at Lisumbwi Secondary School on Monday this week where concerns were raised about long distances people endure to access ear care services at Mangochi District Hospital. It was said the problem contributes to worsening of ear-related health problems in the area.
During the clinic, over 100 learners from the surrounding communities received hearing assessments and treatment from two audiologists, supported by the Department of Special Needs at the Catholic University of Malawi.
