Our Stories

For the first time, 11 children at Chemolingot School for the Hearing Impaired have been fitted with hearing aids — opening up a world of sound, connection, and opportunity many of them had never known before.

This transformative support was made possible through So They Can’s commitment to inclusive education. Based in Kenya’s remote Baringo County, Chemolingot is the only school serving children with hearing impairments in the region. While the school has long provided a safe space for these learners to grow and learn, the lack of access to hearing technology has made communication and learning more challenging.

For children like 14-year-old Chepkite, the impact was immediate: “I am happy for the assistance. I can now hear with one ear.” And 9-year-old Chepkiror added, “I can hear with my right ear now. I am very grateful for the help.”

Fitted by a trained audiologist, each child’s hearing aid was tailored to their level of hearing loss. While some can now hear sounds more clearly, for others, it may take time as they adapt to the new experience of sound.

Sarah, the School Principal, shared: “Since it’s their first time using hearing aids, they will experience various sounds as explained by the audiologist. Over time, they will get used to them, and they will be very beneficial.”

The benefits extend beyond the classroom. Hellen, a member of the Board of Management, explained: “The hearing aids will improve the security and safety of learners both in and out of school, as they can now hear sounds.”

These new hearing aids will also strengthen learning outcomes. As Chief John Kamama of Chemolingot village noted: “The hearing aids will enhance teacher-learner engagement, translating into great results. So They Can has done a tremendous job — blessings we have not experienced before.”

So They Can believes that every child has the right to quality education — and for children with hearing impairments, this includes access to the tools that allow them to learn and thrive. These 11 hearing aids represent more than just devices; they’re a gateway to communication, connection and confidence.

As Losute, who is 12 years old, said with a smile, “I can now hear some sounds. I want to express my gratitude.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

So They Can’s School Improvement Project receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).