The Telkom Foundation-funded programme reached more than 800 learners in KwaZulu-Natal, delivering over 2,400 vision and hearing screening interventions through a multidisciplinary team of more than 45 healthcare professionals. Beyond healthcare access, the initiative seeks to identify and remove barriers that can affect educational participation, learner development and future opportunity. The screenings included learners, educators and support staff, extending the benefits across the broader school community, while creating referral pathways for specialised care and corrective interventions, including prescription spectacles.
16 October 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telkom Foundation and AMS Mark World Sight Month by Advancing Learner Inclusion Through Eye and Hearing Screening Programme
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – Every learner deserves the opportunity to participate fully in the classroom and realise their potential. Yet for many children living in rural and underserved communities, undiagnosed vision and hearing challenges can become significant barriers to learning, confidence, communication and academic achievement.
Recognising the strong link between health, education and long-term opportunity, the Telkom Foundation, in partnership with the Air Mercy Service (AMS), is investing in interventions that help remove these barriers and create more inclusive learning environments. Through a comprehensive eye and hearing screening programme implemented by AMS, learners are receiving access to essential services that support their ability to engage, learn and thrive.
Delivered during World Sight Month, the programme reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the circumstances of where a child lives do not determine their ability to access services that are fundamental to educational success and wellbeing.
Screenings were conducted at Ekuthukuzeni Primary School in Manguzi and Sacred Heart Secondary School in Verulam, reaching more than 800 learners across the two schools. For learners, difficulties with vision or hearing can have a direct impact on their ability to read, follow lessons, communicate and participate fully in the classroom. In communities where access to specialised healthcare may be limited, bringing screening services directly to schools provides an important opportunity to identify these challenges early.
From Screening to Intervention
More than 200 learners were identified as requiring prescription spectacles, helping to address vision challenges that could otherwise affect their learning and development. Spectacles will be provided to these learners as part of the programme’s intervention.
Additionally, 96 learners were referred for further vision assessment. Collaborating partner, the African Eye Institute (AEI) vision screening team, identified learners requiring urgent intervention for conditions including glaucoma, keratoconus and nystagmus, all of which require further medical assessment and care.
The learners were referred to their nearest public eye health facilities for further management and support. Other learners with various eye conditions were also referred for additional treatment. These findings reinforce the importance of early identification and intervention in protecting learner wellbeing and supporting educational outcomes.
The hearing screenings also identified learners requiring further support, with more than 100 learners referred for audiology assessment. These results demonstrate the importance of bringing preventative and early-intervention services directly into schools and communities where access to specialised care may be limited.
A Partnership for Inclusion and Learner Success
The programme demonstrates how strategic partnerships can create meaningful social impact by addressing challenges that directly affect a learner’s ability to participate and succeed in education.
Through its investment, the Telkom Foundation is helping to remove barriers that may limit educational outcomes and future opportunities for young people in underserved communities. AMS leads programme implementation, working alongside the African Eye Institute (AEI), specialist audiology professionals and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) to deliver comprehensive screening, referral and intervention services.
By combining healthcare expertise with social investment, the partnership seeks not only to improve access to care but also to support educational participation, learner wellbeing and broader social inclusion.
“At Telkom Foundation, we believe that meaningful inclusion starts with ensuring that every young person has a fair opportunity to learn, participate and realise their potential. Healthy vision and hearing are essential building blocks for educational success, confidence and long-term opportunity. Through this partnership with AMS, we are helping to remove barriers that may prevent learners from fully engaging in the classroom, while contributing to the broader goal of creating more inclusive and connected communities where no child is left behind.”
Judy Vilakazi, Head of Telkom Foundation
Through its Flying Doctor Outreach Service, AMS has extensive experience in taking healthcare services closer to communities where distance and access can be significant barriers. The Telkom Foundation’s support has enabled this approach to be extended into schools, creating a direct link between healthcare screening, early intervention and learner wellbeing.
“This initiative demonstrates how strategic partnerships can extend healthcare access and make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners. By bringing vision and hearing services directly to schools, we are able to identify challenges early and help connect learners to the care they need. Together, we are contributing to an ecosystem of support that promotes learner wellbeing and creates the conditions for improved educational outcomes.”
Afzal Khan, Programme Development Manager at AMS
Supporting Learner Well-being Through Partnership
This initiative highlights the value of collaboration in addressing challenges that can affect a learner’s educational journey. Through the combined efforts of the Telkom Foundation, AMS, the African Eye Institute, UKZN and healthcare professionals, learners have been connected to services that support their wellbeing and ability to participate fully in the classroom.
By leveraging the strengths of each partner, the programme demonstrates how collaborative action can support learner wellbeing, strengthen educational outcomes and create lasting social impact. Together, these organisations are helping to build an ecosystem of support that enables learners to see better, hear better, learn better and ultimately realise their full potential.
Media Enquiries
TELKOM FOUNDATION
Batlile Phaladi
AMS
Venessa Horn
Public Relations & Fundraising Officer
SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS)
Email: venessa@ams.org.za
Cell: 078 172 4751
About Telkom Foundation
The Telkom Foundation is the corporate social investment arm of Telkom and is committed to driving positive social change through investments in education, digital skills development, community empowerment, and initiatives that improve the lives of South Africans.
About AMS
AMS is a non-profit aero-medical organisation dedicated to providing aero-medical and rescue services across South Africa. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment, AMS delivers critical healthcare access to those who need it most – saving lives and changing lives for 60 years.
Operating since 1966, The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS) has grown into a comprehensive aero-medical service with a unique service delivery model, utilising
volunteers, professionals, strong partnerships with the Departments of Health, not-for-profit organisations and the private sector to facilitate access to appropriate healthcare services for both the critically ill or injured persons and those requiring specialist medical expertise, especially from remote rural communities. The AMS is the only aero-medical operator in Southern Africa which offers a complete package of air-ambulance, health outreach and rescue services, using a mix of fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft and ground vehicles.
Pictures: Synergy Video Productions
