CELEBRATING WORLD HEARING DAY 2024: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT AT APIA PROTESTANT CHURCH
(Photo: Supplied)
Apia Protestant Church became a beacon of inclusivity and awareness as it joined forces with Women in Business Development Inc. (WIBDI) to commemorate World Hearing Day on March 3, 2024. This collaboration aimed to shift societal perceptions surrounding deafness and promote ear health within the community.
The festivities kicked off on Saturday with a flurry of activities centered around ear health. Attendees were offered complimentary hearing tests conducted by professionals from SENESE and the ENT Department of the Ministry of Health Samoa. Over 100 individuals seized the opportunity to have their hearing assessed and receive ear care services.
A nurse from the ENT Department emphasized the significance of maintaining good ear hygiene to prevent infections that could potentially lead to hearing impairment. Additionally, a team of dedicated hearing aid technicians from SENESE generously distributed 10 hearing aid devices to those in need, further enhancing accessibility to auditory assistance.
Sunday saw the congregation of over 200 individuals at Apia Protestant Church for a livestreamed church service. Reverend Nuuausala Siaosi Siutaia delivered a poignant sermon and offered prayers dedicated to individuals experiencing hearing loss, encouraging them to seek support from organizations like SENESE.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation by the Deaf Ministry of Apia Protestant Church. Two individuals shared heartfelt testimonies about their experiences as members of the deaf community, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs they face. The Deaf Ministry also captivated the audience with a vibrant performance that seamlessly blended dance and sign language, conveying messages of empowerment and optimism.
The symbolic cutting of the World Hearing Day 2024 cake by Reverend Nuuausala Siaosi Siutaia and his wife, Mrs. Malu Siutaia, served as a poignant reminder of the significance of the occasion. Their gesture symbolized unity and solidarity in the quest to promote hearing health and inclusivity.
Reflecting on the success of the event, WIBDI Executive Director, Mrs. Adimaimalaga Tafunai, expressed gratitude towards the community, donors, and partners whose collective efforts made the celebration possible. She extended special thanks to Apia Protestant Church and its Deaf Ministry, as well as organizations such as the World Health Organization, World Hearing Forum, and Coalition for Global Hearing Health, among others, for their invaluable support.
The World Hearing Day 2024 celebrations at Apia Protestant Church not only provided essential ear health services but also fostered a sense of belonging and understanding within the community. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, participants reaffirmed their commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with hearing impairments. As the echoes of the event linger, they serve as a resounding reminder of the transformative power of unity and compassion.