On Wednesday, the 2026 Vietnam Immersion team were given the amazing opportunity to visit the TSH (Teach, Speak, Hear) Centre. We were welcomed by Belinda Leksas, Head of Corporate Services and another staff member, also named Belinda – the school’s audiologist, who kindly informed us about the incredible work they do at the Institute.

The Institute predominantly works with younger children who have hearing impairments, offering various programmes that allow children and their families to learn and communicate effectively. We were also introduced to the different hearing aids and technologies available to assist the children. These ranged from cochlear implants and hearing aids to a full sound system that equips teachers with a microphone, which can be synced to a speaker or directly to a child’s hearing aid. This technology helps children hear their teacher more clearly, particularly in noisy environments.

We were given some helpful tips on how to communicate effectively with children who have hearing impairments. Whether it was getting down to their level, repeating ourselves when necessary or keeping communication visual, these simple strategies will assist us greatly during our time with the children at Hoa Hong school.

Lastly, we were given a tour of the classrooms and libraries, which were filled with colour and creativity. Seeing these spaces firsthand gave us a valuable insight into how the children learn and the supportive environment that the Institute provides.

Overall, the visit was an incredibly valuable experience and gave us a greater understanding of the importance of communication, inclusion and support. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit the Institute and take what we have learnt with us into our Vietnam Immersion.

Emma McGrath
Vietnam Immersion Student