Pikinini Playtime benefits from volunteer ear-health specialists
News November 19, 2025

Pikinini Playtime benefits from volunteer ear-health specialists

Pikinini Playtime has welcomed two generous volunteers, Dr Ian Trace, a home doctor specialising in ears, hearing, and hearing impairment, and Mary Nunn, an experienced Special Needs teacher, who offered their expertise while visiting Vanuatu on holiday.

**Pikinini Playtime benefits from volunteer ear-health specialists**

Pikinini Playtime, a vital early childhood education program in Vanuatu, recently received a significant boost from the unexpected arrival of two highly skilled volunteers. Dr. Ian Trace, a dedicated home doctor with a specialization in ears, hearing, and hearing impairment, and Mary Nunn, a seasoned Special Needs teacher, generously offered their expertise to the program while vacationing in the island nation.

The pair's presence proved invaluable to Pikinini Playtime, an organization committed to providing quality early learning experiences for young children. Dr. Trace conducted informal ear checks on the children, identifying potential hearing issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Early detection of hearing problems is crucial for a child's development, as even mild hearing loss can impact speech, language acquisition, and overall learning abilities. Dr. Trace's expertise allowed for timely identification and referral for further assessment and potential intervention, giving these children a better chance to thrive.

Mary Nunn's experience as a Special Needs teacher brought a wealth of knowledge to the program. She worked alongside the existing staff, sharing strategies and techniques for supporting children with diverse learning needs. Her guidance helped the teachers adapt their teaching methods to cater to individual learning styles, ensuring that all children had the opportunity to participate fully and reach their potential.

"We were so fortunate to have Dr. Trace and Mary join us," said a spokesperson for Pikinini Playtime. "Their combined skills and experience have made a real difference to the children and our staff. Their dedication to helping others, even while on holiday, is truly inspiring."

The contributions of Dr. Trace and Mary Nunn highlight the positive impact that skilled volunteers can have on communities in need. Their willingness to share their knowledge and time has undoubtedly left a lasting legacy at Pikinini Playtime, improving the lives of young children in Vanuatu and empowering the local educators to better support their students. The organization hopes their story will inspire other professionals to consider volunteering their skills while travelling, demonstrating that even a short period of service can make a world of difference.
Category: Politics