bluewatergigi
dbeville
Patrice Miles
salako86
LennyBy Amy Velder
Oden Ayo stands out in the crowd of the boys all dressed exactly the same at the Foundations Academy of Egbe. He has a big smile and searching dark eyes. His hands are open to help carry goods, to open doors, and to receive a hug or food. His emotions are easily seen on his face: quick to smile and just as quick to scowl. Oden Ayo stands out in the crowd of the boys all dressed exactly the same at the Foundations Academy of Egbe. He has a big smile and searching dark eyes. His hands are open to help carry goods, to open doors, and to receive a hug or food. His emotions are easily seen on his face: quick to smile and just as quick to scowl.
Oden Ayo stands out in the crowd of the boys all dressed exactly the same at the Foundations Academy of Egbe. He has a big smile and searching dark eyes. His hands are open to help carry goods, to open doors, and to receive a hug or food. His emotions are easily seen on his face: quick to smile and just as quick to scowl.
He is talking. He is using his hands in big gestures and pointing. His mouth is moving, and he is searching my eyes with his eyes wide to see if I understand him, trying to understand my words.
As a veteran teacher and as a Young Life staff, I have traveled to Egbe to serve alongside others in the school. I am assigned to the Foundations classroom to observe and give feedback. Each student in this room has been unsuccessful in the regular classrooms with a standard curriculum. The students are joyful and happy to have a visitor assigned to their room. Their teacher, Mr. Emmanuel, is well prepared and uses excellent strategies for retraining. He is engaged and well-liked by his students.
Oden Ayo makes sure that I have a seat. He offers me his paper and pencil. He smiles at me and winks. He puts his hand out for something; again, he is making sounds and moving his mouth. Mr. Emmanuel firmly and loudly calls for Oden Ayo’s attention. Oden Ayo’s eyes remain on my face, still communicating with me.
Oden Ayo cannot hear. His speech impairment is profound. Recently, CARE Africa was able to help him to get a hearing and speech evaluation in another city. Thankfully, his hearing can be improved with hearing aids. He now has a journey to retrain his mouth to form words he has never heard clearly. He will benefit from sign language school too. Oden Ayo cannot hear. His speech impairment is profound. Recently, CARE Africa was able to help him to get a hearing and speech evaluation in another city. Thankfully, his hearing can be improved with hearing aids. He now has a journey to retrain his mouth to form words he has never heard clearly. He will benefit from sign language school too.
The joy I have is overflowing that this very animated and social boy will be able to continue to develop without the frustration of being ignored and misunderstood. I am sure that Oden Ayo will be using those big open hands to learn all kinds of communication now that he has access to sign language. Thank you for prayerfully opening your hands to give specifically to purchase the hearing aids that he desperately needs and towards the sign language specialist that will help Odun Ayo be a productive learner.
Help buy hearing aids for Odun Ayo by donating any amount towards the $1,400 needed. Click the video below.
Miles In Missions 