TEGAN van Niekerk (5) who was diagnosed with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears after an ABR test at the age of eight months, was enrolled at Figures Glenvista in February this year. Her mom, Mareli, said, “My motive was to boost her confidence and to show her she can do anything she puts her heart to. Figures did just that. They turned a deaf little girl into a confident catwalk model.”
Mareli went on to tell the COURIER, “Our hearts were shattered when we learnt she was deaf and we knew we had an enormous responsibility to help her to a ‘hearing’ world. So the journey to sound began as hearing aids were put to the test. It made a difference but not enough for her to learn speech, hear music and dance! We decided Cochlear Implants were the only way forward. At 15 months, she had an implant in her right ear and the following year one in her left ear.
“Learning your child is deaf or hard of hearing is devastating news, but you have a choice. We chose to accept it and find the best possible solution. There should be no limits to raising a deaf child – he or she is a blessing not a burden. Children are more capable than you can ever imagine.”
Tegan is a vibrant, energetic young soul who enjoys living life to the fullest. She started her school career in a mainstream school this year and she is proud of showing off her “magic ears” to curious friends. Her hobbies include modelling, ballet, netball, horse riding and swimming. “Natacha Thompson, branch owner of Figures Glenvista and her team have really made a definite contribution to boosting her confidence in front of an audience. She has improved so much since she first started earlier this year and we were blown away when she was announced Figures Glenvista’s Junior Model of the year 2017 at the semi-finals on November 5.
“We are extremely proud of Tegan and grateful to Figures Models Glenvista for their unconditional love and support of their models. There are only positive and encouraging vibes where everyone is made to feel special and important which really makes it easy for the models to adjust and grow. Everyone is treated equally and gets rewarded for their hard work at every showcase. This has a huge impact on building confidence and stage personality.
“We would like to thank Figures Models and Talent for the amazing work they do in such great spirit. They build children up step by step to gain self-assurance, self-acceptance and courage,” added Mareli.
Nationwide Finals will be held on December 1 to 3 at the Roodepoort Theatre and every single finalist is wished the best of luck.
Also Read:
HEARING TESTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR BABY
The gift of hearing for a two-year-old
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