By Sue MacIntosh
Coming From Kayoro:
Clinic Updates
Before 2011, the hard-working people of Kayoro, Uganda did not have access to a clinic. People who fell ill seldom received treatment; pregnant mothers did not receive prenatal care; and newborn babies had nowhere to go for well-baby checks and immunizations. Then St. John’s partnered with Give Us Wings to raise the funds to build a clinic.
Today, there is a maternity ward, staff housing, an inpatient ward, 24-hour care, electricity and running water. What began as a single building has expanded to entire health care compound! Thanks to a memorial gift, the Don Husband Memorial Covered Walkway was recently constructed between the main clinic and the lab.
Other improvements being made now or in the near future include a new delivery bed, a nurses’ station, and laboratory equipment. The Clinic has had difficulty retaining a scanner technician because this skill set is in high demand; they recently hired a new technician by paying a higher fee and are hoping he will stay on for a lengthy timeframe. They are also checking into the possibility of purchasing a Tricycle Ambulance. Interestingly, the company behind these machines has a Minnesota connection!
The clinic is finding many ways to raise funds and make improvements. Recent, clinic personnel participated in a government-sponsored fundraising event. They put up a tent and roughly 75 folks stopped by, bringing more attention to the clinic. Other great plans coming up include a soccer game, a car wash, and The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) run.
A Visit from Anthony Munene
After several years of planning and visa difficulties, we were thrilled to host the clinic’s Health Program Director Anthony Munene at St. John’s! Joined by Give Us Wings Executive Director Peter Carlson, Anthony visited the church on Sunday, May 4. Click here to watch his greeting.
Going To Kayoro:
Upcoming Trips and Scholarships
Two trips to Uganda with Give Us Wings are being planned for later this year: August 15-25 and September 26–October 6. The Kayoro Clinic Committee is offering need-based scholarships for travelers! Please contact Sue MacIntosh for a confidential scholarship application.
The deadline to apply for the August trip is May 15; for the September-October trip, the deadline to apply is June 15. Please note that scholarship receivers will be required to provide time support for Give Us Wings activities prior to leaving on the trip.
The growth and success of the Kayoro Clinic are simply wonderful beyond words! The Spirit is most certainly moving in our midst and great things are happening. Thank you again for the support you show for the people of Kayoro.
