Martinus’ Story – Tanzania

Martinus, who is 14 years old now, lost both parents at only two years of age. She was adopted by her paternal uncle. It is unknown why and how she became hard of hearing. Prior to her uncle finding our grant partner Tanzania Deaf Child (TADEC) in 2014, she was attending a school for children with normal hearing where she was not doing well academically or socially. At TADEC, she got the help she needed; her hearing was assessed, she was fitted with a hearing aid in one ear. Martinus is very happy now and her school performance has dramatically improved. This past year, she completed and passed her primary school qualifying her to join a government secondary school. TADEC advocated for her placement in a school that caters to hearing impaired youth. Her family is extremely grateful for the TADEC community where they can freely talk about Martinus’s triumphs and challenges, where she is accepted and loved, and where she gets the assistance she needs. The end of school year party last year was great fun for Martinus as she had made many new friends. Martinus says ”I thank God that I am be able to continue with my education. I thank TADEC for their assistance and love.”

Martinus is very happy now and her school performance has dramatically improved. This past year, she completed and passed her primary school qualifying her to join a government secondary school. TADEC advocated for her placement in a school that caters to hearing impaired youth. Her family is extremely grateful for the TADEC community where they can freely talk about Martinus’s triumphs and challenges, where she is accepted and loved, and where she gets the assistance she needs. The end of school year party last year was great fun for Martinus as she had made many new friends. Martinus says ”I thank God that I am be able to continue with my education. I thank TADEC for their assistance and love.”