In the beginning of this month I arrived in Mozambique in South Eastern Africa. I came here to help with a training program that trains and prepares local community health workers with primary healthcare skills, equipping them to work in clinics in their local communities. All the student health workers have already completed a preliminary training course and all have a heart for their communities. They long to bring change and hope to their communities.
Flying over Africa
On arrival, I was overwhelmed with the welcome I received, as the student health workers had been eagerly awaiting my arrival and had faithfully and earnestly been praying for me to come (they had commenced their training about three months earlier, the original plan being that I would be with them from the start). They all knew me by name before I arrived, and they welcomed me with open hearts and open arms. It was a very humbling welcome!
Soon after arriving, the eleven students, the other school leaders and I travelled to an island not far from where I’m currently based in Mozambique. The island has been largely neglected by the government for many years, and the people suffer greatly through inadequate infrastructure, a lack of healthcare and immense poverty. The main purpose of our visit there was to run mobile clinics in order to provide care and treatment wherever it was needed.
At the dock 
Loading our equipment onto the ferry
Throughout our time on the island we devoted four days to setting up and running clinics in three different needy locations around the island. We were able to see dozens of patients, assess their needs, provide treatment and offer prayer. Many of the patients we saw lived too far from any clinic or hospital to receive any healthcare treatment. They were, therefore, very grateful for the opportunity to receive care. The clinics provided an opportunity for the student healthcare workers to put their newly acquired skills into practice.
Children gathering at the clinic 
Three consultation stations 
People waiting to be seen at one of the clinics 
A consultation station
Malaria Testing
Removing debris from a patient’s ear
On return to the mainland, the students received one week of teaching on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. We had a wonderful doctor from India come specially to teach on this important topic. Following that, I presented a week of teaching on immunisations and preventable diseases. The students were thoroughly engaged in the topic, eager to learn and willing to put their skills into practice.
Students acting out a drama on preventing dehydration from diarrhoea 
Practising using needles 
Making oral rehydration solution 
Getting confident handling syringes 
Practising injecting into a sponge 
About to have my “baby” injected
Our amazing cook!
I am enjoying being here and helping wherever I can. I’m making lots of friends and I’m learning a little bit of the language, which is proving useful. It’s not uncommon for people to come to our door at all hours of the day seeking medical help. When they come, we help them the best we can.
Teaching intramuscular injections 
Teaching intramuscular injections 
At the local market
In a few days, we will travel by road to the neighbouring country of Malawi. There I will renew my visa and we’ll purchase more medications for our upcoming two-week trip into the north of Mozambique. We will go to an area where one of the school leaders is from. We will run more clinics whilst there which will give the student health workers many more opportunities to practise their new skills.
Thank you for taking the time to read my update. I am truly blessed to be here for such a time as this.
Mozambique Adventures 