Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club Global Grant
Lead Rotarian: Sue Pietersen
Early Intervention with Hearing Loss in Western Cape Province
Appeal for Donation
This initiative is connected with the Rotary Global Grant Application No. GG2571870, being jointly made by the Rotary Club of Bellville (D9350) and Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club (D1100).
Project Background
The Western Cape Province of South Africa, home to over 7.4 million people, faces significant challenges. Approximately 32% of the population lives in poverty, with high unemployment rates. Among its public health concerns is hearing impairment, affecting an average of 5 out of every 1,000 babies born, with a higher incidence of 22 per 1,000 among preschool children in the public healthcare system.
Notably, 80% of children with sensory impairments come from low- and middle-income families. This economic barrier severely impacts their ability to develop spoken language skills. Globally, 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents, who often lack experience dealing with deafness. Early diagnosis and intervention within the critical 0-2 year age window is essential for these children to acquire spoken language, as this period represents a unique opportunity for their brains to adapt to sound before compensatory visual brain functions dominate.
Unfortunately, many children in the region miss out on timely diagnosis and treatment.
Towards a Solution
This project aims to:
Dramatically improve early diagnosis and treatment for deaf infants aged 0 to 2 years.
Expand access to ear and hearing care services for children aged 0 to 12 years.
Provide therapeutic training programmes for deaf children and their parents or carers.
Enhance the facilities of the CHAT (Children Hear and Talk) Centre in Cape Town, which serves as a critical treatment hub.
The CHAT Centre is part of the Carel du Toit Centre, a Centre of Excellence located on the Tygerberg Hospital grounds. It offers a unique integration of health and education services for hearing-impaired children, focusing on early intervention, parent guidance, and a team-based approach. Annually, 3,500 high-risk babies are screened at Tygerberg Hospital, with additional screening programmes implemented in the wider community through partnerships with Carel du Toit’s Community Audiologists and the Department of Health.
Once hearing loss is identified, affected children undergo diagnostic testing at Tygerberg Hospital and are referred to the CHAT Centre for intervention. They are fitted with hearing aids, monitored for sound access, and receive regular hearing tests—three times in the first year and every six months thereafter. Many also require treatment for ear infections. Without the ability to hear, these children cannot learn to speak.
More than 70% of the CHAT Centre’s attendees come from households earning less than £550 per month, often relying on social grants.
Current Challenges
Currently, 100 deaf infants are served at CHAT, but the Centre can only provide 80 weekly sessions, meaning each child receives care just 2-3 times per month. With expanded therapy space and an additional full-time interventionist, weekly sessions for each child could be achieved, significantly accelerating progress. At present, three early interventionists and three part-time speech therapists deliver these services. Despite limited resources, the Centre’s policy is never to turn away a child in need.
The CHAT Centre also offers preschool (ages 3-4), foundation phase classes (grades R-3), and therapy sessions for children up to 12 years of age. These children receive comprehensive care, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, social services, and play therapy.
The Proposed Solution
Funding has been secured from the South African National Lottery and other donors to extend and reconfigure the existing CHAT Centre building. Planned improvements include four large therapy rooms, a new reception area, and optimized use of the existing space. However, the participating Rotary Clubs seek an additional £75,000 to equip these new therapy rooms with:
The latest technology
Soundproofing
Equipment for physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions
The largest therapy hall will also double as a meeting and workshop venue for parents as part of the ongoing Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) programme.
How You Can Help
Funds raised locally by Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club and other D1100 clubs will be matched 100% by Rotary District 1100 and 80% by The Rotary Foundation. This means every £1 raised locally generates a total contribution of £2.80 towards the project.
We understand financial pressures are significant, but your support can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of deaf children in the Western Cape. Please consider contributing to this vital and transformative health project.
If you require further details, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your generosity and support!