Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Mtwara
July 2013 Tanzania
Donning one of the Foundation’s blue polo shirts and a mission tool belt, President Bush took the time to shake hands with the volunteers before getting down to the business of fitting hearing aids. The former president was completely engaged—wanting to experience every step of the process, and after some training from Bill Austin, he put his glasses on and dove right into giving the gift of hearing.
President Bush was very involved in fitting a brother and sister. Once Austin explained to him the importance of vocalization for child development, particularly for children with new hearing aids, President Bush began to encourage the siblings to use their voices. As soon as the children started repeating sounds, the president hugged the parents and celebrated with them. We were honored to experience such hands-on support from the former president.
“Hearing is a powerful gift that brings people together, opens doors and gives individuals the power to seize opportunities and reach their full potential in life,” said Austin. “President Bush has done amazing things across Africa in HIV/AIDS and cancer prevention and treatment, and we are incredibly grateful that he supports us in our fight for better hearing.”
Former NFL players Ray Lewis and Tommie Harris, actor Kyle Massey and Goodwill Ambassador to Tanzania Doug Pitt also helped give the gift of hearing to children and adults during our stops in Arusha and Moshi. On our final day in Dar es Salaam, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete honored us with a visit, helping with fittings, sharing laughs with the children, and encouraging the recipients to use their voices.
Special Thanks
President George W. Bush; Mrs. Laura Bush; George W. Bush Institute; Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete; Tanzanian First Lady Salma Kikwete; Pentair; Harbinger Capital: Omar Asali; Audibel Hearing Healthcare; Geraci Audibel Hearing Centers; Sound Seekers; Tanzania Assemblies of God; Rotary Clubs of Dar es Salaam; Lions Club of Dar es Salaam; HearWell Audiology Clinic; Tanzanear; Honorable Jerry Silaa; Mayor Ilala, Municipal Council; Buguruni School for the Deaf; Vinay Choudary; Dr. Enica Richard; Dr. Willy Sangu; Illala Health Authority; UMIVITA; Lutheran Medical Centre in Arusha; Brenda Msangi; Mansoor Daya; Nidrosy Mlawa; Tanzania Society for the Deaf; YMCA; Ray Lewis; Tommie Harris; Kyle Massey; Doug Pitt
Spread the word:
Give the Gift of Hearing
Help us continue to spread the gift of hearing around the globe and create the next generation of hearing healthcare leaders through the Starkey Hearing Institute, a program of Starkey Hearing Foundation.
DONATE NOW ยป