The children attending our school are lucky enough to come to us daily.  There are many children with hearing loss and special needs around the world who do not have the benefit of formal education or the tools needed daily.  The prevalence of deafness and special needs in Africa is especially concerning.  Lack of healthcare and healthcare for treatable diseases in emerging countries are the primary causes of hearing loss.  Much of deafness in Africa is preventable.

Two years ago we adopted a Kenyan school for the deaf.  Our students and faculty raised money to purchase a cow (Beverly) and sent both money and resources to the school.  This partnership while limited was of tremendous benefit to the children.  And having a cow created some sustainability.  This relationship also started the educational process for students in understanding the context of the large world they live in and how they can make an impact.

This year we will be supporting Dr. Lynne Batty, CCC/BSD physical therapist, as she travels to Tanzania in early summer.  Dr. Batty will be traveling East Africa to The Buguruni School for the Deaf.  BSD (!) was founded in 1973 by the Tanzania Society for the Deaf, and officially opened in 1974 by Mwalimu Nyerere, Tanzania's first president.  Although it is not a state-run school, the government pays for teacher's salaries, the costs for pupils who board, and a small portion of overhead expenses.  For all other costs, the school is dependent on fundraising.

Dr. Batty will be carrying a number of items and resources (including financial donations) to Africa in hopes of creating some improvements at this impoverished deaf school.  She will be representing our school and students in her travels.  The breadth of CCC/BSD continues to expand due to the wonderful acts of our faculty, families, and students.  We look forward to keeping you updated with pictures of her travels.

Thanks for reading.

Mark