Participation through hearing and vision services
How can a child engage with their learning environment if they cannot see or hear? We’ve partnered with Painga Project to deliver effective hearing and vision services in our partner schools.
Many tamariki in South Auckland’s high-needs communities are unable to fully participate in their education due to undiagnosed hearing and vision issues.
Partnering with Painga Project, the Foundation supports multiple South Auckland schools with access to hearing and vision testing and treatment. Identifying and addressing hearing and vision issues early increases tamariki’s chances of success both in and out of the classroom.
Painga (Hearing & Vision) Programme
The Painga (Hearing & Vision) Model
Painga Project is a not-for-profit organisation delivering a range of health and wellbeing programmes to low-decile South Auckland primary and intermediate schools and their wider communities. The Foundation is proud to partner with Painga and has provided 2 x 30 seater buses to deliver their hearing and vision services in our partner schools. With mobile services and a dedicated hub, the Programme offers comprehensive screening and follow-up care:
Mobile vans: Fully equipped optometry and audiology vans can screen approximately 100 tamariki per day for vision and 50 per day for hearing. This includes initial screenings, retests, and testing for new entrants.
School reach: Painga plans to screen 40 schools annually, including 25 Foundation schools, reaching approximately 20,000 tamariki each year.
Vision screening: A significant number of tamariki screened require a referral to an optometrist. Of these, the majority can be treated with glasses, which Painga provides, ensuring no child is left without the tools they need to see clearly.
Hearing screening: For hearing, children often require a second screening three months later to address unresolved issues.
Community Hub: The outreach hub at Papakura Intermediate serves as a central location for follow-up care. It is staffed by a registered nurse with specialist training to provide ear wax removal and cleaning services.
The Impact of the Painga (Hearing & Vision) Programme
The Painga (Hearing & Vision) Programme is not just about providing glasses or hearing aids – it’s about reducing barriers to education and giving tamariki the tools to thrive. By addressing hearing and vision issues early, the Programme helps tamariki:
Stay engaged in the classroom
Build confidence and social skills
Avoid long-term educational setbacks
The Programme’s ability to make a tangible difference is already evident. Early results show that children who receive support through the Painga (Hearing & Vision) Programme experience significant improvements in their ability to learn and participate in school.
LATEST NEWS
Stay informed. Access our latest initiatives, updates, and success stories as we work together to make a difference for tamariki and their communities.
