|
Hope for the Village Child |
|
Great Bend Dominican Sisters’ Mission in Nigeria, Africa ¨ Great Bend Dominican Sisters’ Journey to Africa: The Era 1952 to 1973 ¨ Gusau, Nigeria 2007: Congregation Receives Diocesan Status Sr Rita Schwarzenberger’s Current Ministry in Nigeria, Africa with Hope for the Village Child |
|
Hope for the Village Child, 2007 With a modest staff and limited resources, Hope for the Village Child continues to build on the projects that have already been started. On August 23, Sr Rita Marie gave a summary of these efforts including water, health care, education, women, and animation of the people. (1) Water—Securing clean water for the people in the area is an ongoing challenge. Charcoal water filters are being installed at school sites so that the children can have clean water. And this year, money for the well program surpassed construction for at least two reasons: deeper wells take more time and rings for lining, and early rains put well construction on hold as people returned to their fields. Thus, only 16 of the 36 wells that have already been paid for have been completed this year. (2) Health Care—Since more and more people need healthcare in an area where staff can only get to the villages—some more than 2 hours away—on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, healthcare efforts have focused on training villagers to share and lighten the healthcare load. For example, some people have been trained as village health care workers who can give out medicine, facilitate health hygiene, and serve as a healthcare liaison for the village. Others have been trained as village midwives. Much of the training is done in song, and all graduates receive a certificate and a kit to take with them back to the village at the end of their training. Other health initiatives include (a) a “Beautiful Baby Contest” with points awarded for correct weight, having community support, immunizations, and antenatal care; and (b) a “Cleanest Village Competition” with ten different judging criteria. The cleanest village receives a monetary gift that must be used for something in the village. There are also several healthcare programs for children with special needs such as HIV/AIDS and rickets. (3) Education—Educational efforts have focused on securing sound structures and furnishings, educational materials and training. Creating sound structures is a priority because without cement and a good foundation, the school soon falls down! St Columba School in Durango where Srs Edith Marie and Kevin work, has provided funding for worksheets, and people in England have provided funding for math and English books. Other educational topics include self-esteem for the children, school farms and agricultural co-op programs. (4) Women’s Program—The practice of cutting down trees to pay for their maternity costs is hard on both the environment and the women! As an alternative, women are engaged in learning alternative income generating projects such as machine knitting and sewing, and making snacks that can be sold. (5) Animation of the People—One of the biggest challenges is developing people to develop themselves so that they do not become dependent. A variety of creative methods are used. For example, graphs and pictures (the handwriting of illiterate people) might be used during daytime hours to find out why a community isn’t cooperating very well, or to show community members what is happening to their natural resources so that they can choose and participate in alternative ways of living. After spending several weeks home for surgery, final coursework presentations, and other odds and ends, Sr Rita Marie returned to Africa on October 4th. Her love for the people, and especially the children is obvious! We bless her efforts, and send our prayers for her continued success. |
|
Below: Well Construction |
