On February 28th, Selena Snowden and Halle Van Oss will travel to Panajachel, Guatemala with ten undergraduate students for an eight day audiology mission trip. The team from Florida State‘s School of Communication Science and Disorders will work to provide audiology services to the people of Panajachel.

“I am so blessed to have been granted the opportunity,” said Snowden.

Working through Porch de Salomon, an outreach organization, Snowden and her team will provide hearing services to the indigenous people of Panajachel, who are descendants of the ancient Mayans. With 23 different native tongues spoken, the group will be assisted by a translator.

Most groups working through Porch de Salomon focus on building small, concrete block homes for the impoverished families. However, “hearing services are severely needed in this area,” said Snowden. “We hope to provide both training to medical staff and clinical services to those in need.” The group will give the gift of sound to adults and children with hearing loss with 20 hearing aids, courtesy of ReSound. By joining the resident medical clinic, they will be able to provide hearing services and hearing aids to those in need.

Located less than 90 miles from Guatemala City, Panajachel is affected by severe poverty and poor infrastructure. All supplies must be taken with the group, including audiology supplies, equipment, hearing aids & batteries. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and go towards changing the lives of many. Contact Mafe Brooks for more information about donating. Porch de Salomon has a list of donations they are constantly accepting.