A community service project launched by Wits’ Centre for Deaf Studies, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The project, called Hi Hopes, started in 2006, is now serving families in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and a pilot project in the Eastern Cape.
Aimed at families with babies aged 0-3 years (since these are the critical years for language and cognitive development), the programme offers language development strategies in the home environment.
“We prioritise support that is culturally sensitive, and view intervention as a partnership with the parents, allowing the baby to reach his/her full potential.The impact that we have had over the last 10 years is largely due to a dedicated team of staff and interventionists, and the generosity of our donors. Every contribution has indeed made a difference,” says the organisation.