Vaccine Training

Let's applaud two Wazaidizi volunteer health workers from D.R. of Congo who completed vaccine administration training this year! Through a leadership development grant awarded by HealthEd Connect, Rose Chola and Nathalie Lenge learned how to give immunizations to children from birth to five years and pregnant women. They are now equipped, recognized, and authorized by the government to administer vaccines. Continuing to show their deep desire to educate and encourage healthy children, mothers, and communities, Rose and Nathalie will play a vital role in protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

International Day of Peace

 

Did you know that all three HealthEd Connect schools in Zambia contain the word PEACE? Kasompe Community School of Peace, Mapalo Young Peacemakers School, and Zamtan Community School of Peace - the three "Sister Schools" as we fondly call them. "Peace" is an important part of the philosophy and educational environment at our schools. 

September 21st is recognized as International Day of Peace by the United Nations General Assembly, devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. As stated by the UN, "This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere." The 2020 theme for International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.” We are all invited to celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against discrimination or hatred. We can all shape healthy and peaceful communities. 

Groundbreaking news!

Construction of the second community center in Malawi has begun! The foundation is ready and you can begin to see the building taking shape. Like the first community center built near Mzimba, land was donated by village chiefs in Mazembe to the Sinkhani volunteer health works for the purpose of constructing a community center. We visited here two years ago as the Sinkhani facilitated a health education program and weighing day with over 150 mothers and children in attendance outside sitting on the ground. What a difference it will make to have a solid shelter - especially during the rainy season - and a place for the Sinkhani to store supplies and facilitate programs for mothers and children. It's an exciting development for the community! 

COVID-19 Training in Malawi

 

On their own initiative, COVID-19 training sessions have been organized for the Sinkhani volunteer health workers and community volunteers at three separate locations in Malawi. Gathering volunteers from nearby geographic areas, each day-long training included instruction about COVID-19 prevention by local government health workers, two nursing students (recipients of a nursing scholarship from HealthEd Connect), and the Sinkhani health workers themselves. Each volunteer was also equipped with supplies for their communities, including buckets with taps for hand washing, soap, and face masks. The Sinkhani made 1,000 masks in preparation for these trainings, using the new sewing machines provided by HealthEd Connect. 

The Sinkhani often use songs to educate mothers and community members about nutrition, sanitation, family planning, etc. They created a special song which they learned at this training. The words (roughly translated) mean: "We won't have COVID-19 anymore after this year. Sinkhani health workers have taught us how we can intervene the spread of corona pandemic disease."

We're Back!

Greetings, Friends! A few months ago we encountered an issue with our blog and quickly turned off our subscriber feed. Troubleshooting behind the scenes, we have resolved the issue and have not encountered any more unauthorized activity. We feel reassured that we're safe again to use our blog to share SHORT weekly updates with you! We've missed you! 

We have some wonderful updates to share with you! See you next week for our next installment of HealthEd Connect Updates!