Beyond Silence: How Hearing Aids Changed Fatuma’s Life in Rwanda | UNICEF Rwanda

Beyond Silence: How Hearing Aids Changed Fatuma’s Life in Rwanda | UNICEF Rwanda

From silence to sound, from isolation to confidence, this is Fatuma’s story. At just 16 years old, Fatuma from Rwamagana District, Rwanda, lived much of her childhood in silence due to hearing loss. She struggled at school, at home, and in her community — until the Winsiga Ndumva programme, a partnership between UNICEF, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, and ATscale, provided her with digital hearing aids. For the first time, Fatuma heard her mother’s voice clearly. Today, she attends school with confidence, helps her family at home, joins traditional dance groups, and dreams of becoming a doctor to inspire other children with disabilities. 🔹 The Winsiga Ndumva programme is working across 8 districts in Rwanda to ensure children like Fatuma get access to ear and hearing care, including screening, treatment, and hearing aids. 🔹 With an investment of US$1.2 million, the programme aims to provide 1,200 children with hearing aids and screen 9,400 children while also training health workers and teachers. Fatuma’s journey shows what’s possible when strong partnerships come together to ensure no child is left behind.