Hi and welcome to our latest blog, thanks for your continued
interest in us and the work at the hospital.
This month we thought we would let you know a little about
some of the different learning activities that occur in and around the
hospital. These are not necessarily medical but are ways to educate or assist
those who live locally, work here, visitors or are patients themselves. We hope
that through the activities at the hospital people won’t only receive good medical
treatment and a place of work but also help to improve their lives in some small
way.
The first example is Health Care Promotion work, which was
something first started by Maureen, the BMS board of Trustees Chairperson, who
has visited us here on 2 occasions. She will be very pleased to see that it is
being progressed and continued. The idea is for Mariam and Achta, our 2 Health Care technicians, who normally work within the Vaccination & Malnutrition clinic, to visit
with the patients and visitors on the wards. They will gather a few together, sit on mats
and explain simple general good health practices using pictures, such as the
importance of hand washing, protection against malaria or examples of good food
choice and preparation to provide nourishment for themselves and their family.
This is usually very well received, both by men and women, and by doing this we
hope they will take the messages back to their villages with them to share with
others. Simple things we take for granted can be a major aid to helping others
stay in good health and so avoid unnecessary trips and the expense of coming to
a hospital. It may even save lives.
The second example is the teaching of some of our staff to
read and write as we have previously spoken of. This was initially started to help
Ahmat who now works permanently in administration and will aid his progress. We
initially thought he would prefer to have his lessons in private but no, he set
up the blackboard in full sight of others and is more than happy to let others
know he is learning. He will often ask others who can read to listen to him
reading to aid his progress. Through his example others, usually guards or
cleaners, were encouraged by what was happening and gradually one by one
approached Malc to ask if they too could have lessons. We now have a class of 6,
plus Ahmat, who have weekly lessons, to improve their skills. This is a
struggle for some as they have never had any form of schooling and are unable
to read or write at all. But we hope that in time they will be able to do so,
which will either aid them in their work here at the hospital or give them the
opportunity if they wish to seek employment elsewhere.
Our third example concerns Nemercie, our
housekeeper and mother of little Sue. We feel very blessed to have found her as
is very hardworking, honest, and happy in her work, often singing even with the
heat and little Sue on her back. Our house is kept spotless, despite all the
dust and sand frequently being blown into the house but she never complains.
She is also very resourceful and is always looking for ways to help support her
family. Her latest idea is to provide knitting lessons to other young ladies
and mothers from the village here at the hospital on Saturday mornings. We
observed her recently with a class of around 10 ladies eagerly wanting to learn
how to knit hats and socks for babies which are always being sought. We have
been donated some in the past, so perhaps in the future these local ladies will
provide some for the hospital as well as for their own children. Any spare wool
you have would be very welcome here.
3 examples of simple ways to help our friends and neighbours,
often bringing joy and laughter.
Blessings
Malc & Sue