A Tribute to worthy Professions.

It takes so much to try to change someone’s life for the better – this is what the medical, teaching and managerial professions try to do. J has been coordinating and teaching the obstetric module for the past 3 weeks and it has proven to be a real challenge. She is forced to use all her qualifications – from management to nursing to exercising the patience of a parent!!! The first test is due in a week and this should give an indication of how much the students have understood. Resources, easily accessible in a developed country, are proving to be a logistical nightmare here. For handouts to be done (which may be at least 2 times a week), ink cartridges needed for the hp photocopier can only be had from Freetown ( a 7 hour journey one way) and because of the cost they cannot be bought in bulk
The students are of different educational levels. In addition, there are not enough textbooks to go around for the thirty or so students who are doing the module and so to make everyone happy, notes have to be written on the board, the students allowed to copy these notes, then read (aloud by the students) and explanations given as necessary. So, it feels a little like teaching primary school. At least with this method the spelling and pronunciations are correct. Its hard work, and it makes dusty (from the chalk), muscle toning, (from the cleaning of the board) work.
The doctors have agreed to help with lecturing the medical topics, which allow J some time to concentrate on organising the practical aspect of the course. The 8 weeks originally organised for community (village) experience are reduced to 4 weeks. These extra 4 weeks will be spent on the ward, health centres and the under five’s clinic. The very tricky part is to work out transportation to and from the health centres for 10 students at a time. Back to the drawing board……..
Prayer warriors, please remember the students and the lecturers in your prayers. Pray for the information to be taught in such a way that learning takes place – especially with such a practical subject.
Pray for affordable resources and for on-time supplies.
Pray that the plans for the practical aspect of the course fall into place and that the community supervisors (the Maternal and Child health aides) will be welcoming and approachable.
As usual, God is in control.
With every blessing,
Michael, Joanna and Little J.