Hello from Africa!
My name is Jenna Vallario and I am an audiologist and college professor at ABC Hearing Clinic and Training Center in Malawi, Africa. As a long term humanitarian volunteer at ABC, I not only have the opportunity to provide hearing healthcare to those who need it most, but I also have the chance to help build a sustainable model of change that enables others to do the same.
With an annual per capita income of USD $372, Malawi is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Similar to most developing countries, hearing services are either non-existent or inaccessible to most of the population. Lacking resources, developed infrastructure, and sufficient education, Malawi is heavily dependent on foreign aid.
My primary role at ABC is a college lecturer where I teach courses in the audiology degree program. In 2013, ABC built the first hearing clinic and only audiology degree program in all of Malawi, however hearing services are still inaccessible to most of the population. We are working to change that. By teaching and empowering the future audiologists of Malawi, we are helping to create sustainable, lasting change.
Just 2 years ago (2021), we graduated the first 10 audiologists in the entire country of Malawi.
In addition to teaching, ABC provides free ear and hearing services to the remote areas/villages that otherwise would not have access to these services.
When people ask me what it’s like living in Africa, I truthfully have a hard time answering the question. It’s difficult to put into words the beauty and strength of this country, which is set against a backdrop of unimaginable and indescribable poverty. Although Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Africa, the people who live here are rich in strength, character, and perseverance. They have shown me such extraordinary kindness in my short time here, and I’ve been able to witness their tenacity in fighting for the betterment of their country. Despite severe adversity, they remain formidable advocates for their communities and families, and their selflessness and generosity is both inspiring and humbling.
There is so much I want to do, and there is so much that needs to be done, however this work cannot be done without the generosity and kindness of others. My volunteer position at ABC is not paid and I must rely solely on donations and the support of others. All donations are used on an as needed basis. To date, donations have been used to support nearby orphanages (Bright Vision Orphan Care and Crisis Nursery), subsidize college student’s tuition and provide textbooks/school supplies, cover Malawians’ emergency medical expenses, and provide financial help for various issues when asked. In addition, donations have been used to fully sponsor 1 ABC student for his entire 4 year college degree (including tuition, housing, and food). As various needs and requests come up, I use this platform to source the funds and disperse them as needed.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this incredible country and the work that needs to be done. If you would like to support this work, please consider donating to this worthy cause. There is no amount too small- even just a couple dollars could significantly impact someone’s life.
Zikmo kwambili (thank you!)
Contact information:
Whatsapp: +265 886 46 44 08
