Today we saw children at Enkitoria Clinic. It was a fun day interacting with children and families
Donated shoes were much appreciated for this little girl
Lots of babies at the clinic today, even 2 newborns
Chelsea and Taylor, RNs, teaching Helping Mother’s Survive course for 3 local nurses who will become ABW champions
March 14, 2019
Stopped for a chameleon crossing on the way to clinic this morning
Marilyn and Leonard discussing cases seen today
Home instructions for families under the trees
March 13, 2019
We met with community leaders to discuss their perception of needs and ideas for moving ahead.
Parents were engaged in discussion groups facilitated by Veronica and Joyce.
Standing frames were assembled.
The rehab team worked with families in Naikarra today.
March 12, 2019
March 11, 2019
Met with administrators of Narok County Hospital. ABW has funded an expansion of the Occupational Therapy Department. Met with Michael Kirui, OT, who will join us during the next week for clinics in rural Narok County.
Don, Neil and George
Don, Neil and George
Friday at Nyaburi School
Friday at Nyaburi School
March 08, 2019
At Nyaburi School our team provided training and continuing education experiences today. Twyla and Marcia presented a workshop for the Occupational Therapists of Homa Bay County with great participation. Don did some orthopaedic mentoring with the physiotherapist Judith. Neil and George have been working with the wheelchair technician.
March 07, 2019
March 05, 2019
On our 1 ½ hour commute to the Ndanai Small Home for Handicapped Children we stopped at the Kaplong Mission Hospital where Veronica (OT) is employed. She has often been a part of the Rehabilitation Team as a local professional – she’s an excellent translator and knowledgeable about community resources. In the OT treatment area we were surprised to find one of the PVC walkers made last year was still in good form! Upon our arrival at Ndanai Home we were welcomed by Sammy (Director) and one of the teachers at the school . The grounds were well-kept and the garden appeared to be thriving. Our first goal for the day was to sort and organize all of the donated items that we brought. Following that, we began the “assessment” of the new students at the Home. There are many challenges here; however, the teachers and house mothers are very dedicated and want what’s best for the children.
March 06, 2019
The day started with the birds singing at 6:00 am. It was wonderful to awaken to a clear, warm, sunny morning after a huge downpour last night. When the skies open and it rains, it rains heavily. Today was the first clinic day at the Ndanai small home. We began by organizing everyone’s stations and preparing to see all of the children. Many parents travelled great distances with their children, who had varying degrees of physical and cognitive disabilities. Our intake team was able to communicate with and asses each child, before sending them to the station that would be able to provide the best answers and support for often challenging questions.
March 05, 2019
Today some members of our rehab team along with the pair of nurses travelled to the Ndanai small home to set up for the upcoming three day clinic. Everyone pitched in to help sort the donation items into labelled suitcases and set up the various stations, so that the clinic would run smoothly once started. The clinic ended up starting earlier than planned when a few moms arrived early, and some children presented with wounds on their feet. This left the rehab team members and the nurses quite busy for the afternoon! Joanne and Jeff arrived to the small home today for their stay. Another few members of the rehab team, Wanda and Winston, arrived to Ndanai today after their flight was delayed by a full day. Back at the Exotic Hotel in the evening we met up with most everyone else that is a part of our team. Everyone is looking forward to the clinic starting tomorrow.
Here’s a pix of the group on the morning after our lengthy time getting through customs. Arrival time at 2:30 a.m
Visit to Kokanee Hospital
Ubumwe Visit 1.1
Ubumwe Visit 1.2
Ubumwe Visit 1.3
Fredrick and one of his paintings
March 01, 2019
By Kathy Jacobson, “Today we visited the ubumwe community centre in Gisenyi. Amazing work being done here to aid young people with various disabilities. Music, sewing, knitting, sign language and regular schooling. The staff are inspirational. Fredrick and his story of the horrors of the genocide but more importantly his spirit of helping others made my heart feel the goodness in the world.
My favourite part though, the nursery!”.