"
Global health seems much more real and personal. My experience has put a face to many issues of global health. I have a much better understanding of what does and doesn't work in global health and why it does or doesn't work. I realize now how important it is for clinics and public health programs to work with the community rather than just come in right away and do what they personally think is best." -
Shane O'Brien, Project Bumwalukani, Summer 2010
"
Overall, I had a great time working at FIMRC. I liked being able to work autonomously on the competitor analysis, as well as part of a team on the health education manual. I felt like I contributed concretely to FIMRC, both on the business side...and the healthcare volunteer side...so that while I was sitting in Philadelphia headquarters, I still felt a part of the activity in Africa and South America." -
Luisa Armstrong, HQ, Summer 2010
"
Though potable water and community education become your mantra, it is clear that there may seldom be simple solutions; each colorfully dynamic community must develop the delicate trust and respect between population and NGO that is necessary before approaching any obstacle." -
Steven Purcell, Project Las Delicias, Summer 2010
Project Bumwalukani, Uganda
Challenge:
Project Bumwalukani is a model for FIMRC strategy in the developing world, supplementing the lasting work done by temporary volunteers with the long-term investment of community involvement to create sustainable change beyond the clinic. FIMRC's clinic in Bumwalukani was originally constructed to meet the health and nutritional needs of its partner, the Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH). However, due to the severe lack of access to medical facilities in the area, the clinic serves patients from many surrounding villages in a wide geographical area, with approximately 75-150 patients seen daily and 1,000 patients of all ages seen each month. Challenges are varied and many; intermittent power, rudimentary roads, poor infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, rote education, and geographic isolation. FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows will be challenged to contribute to the clinic's efforts with their own holistic approach to community development projects.
Mentor/Staff Support:
Ambassadors/Fellows will partner with the Clinic Doctor, the Field Operations Manager, the Director of Special Projects, and/or the local Health Promoter in project development and implementation.
Commitment:
Ambassadors/Fellows are expected to be present during clinic hours, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. The clinic is also open on Saturdays and Ambassadors/Fellows are welcome to work on Saturday if not enjoying other activities.
Housing and Transportation:
Project Bumwalukani provides comfortable living quarters at the Volunteer Guest House which features a common living area for eating, sitting, relaxing, and socializing; sheets and towels; flush toilets and cold-water showers; a pit latrine and bathing shelter for bucket baths; dormitory-style bedrooms with mosquito nets on all beds; and books and games. Three meals a day are also included.
Cost:
Details are available upon request during the recruitment process.
Visa Requirements:
Visas can be obtained beforehand from the Ugandan Embassy, but it is also possible to obtain visas at the airport in Entebbe upon arrival for a cost of $50.00. If Ambassadors/Fellows are not U.S. passport holders, they are responsible for obtaining a visa before departure.
Past Projects:
- Working with a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Counselor to create a program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC); trained adult community members called "Guardians" to ensure the HIV+ OVCs are attending clinic appointments, getting/taking HIV medications, attending school, and eating well. HIV education programming at the children's schools (conducted in a way that preserves the OVC's HIV status confidential) and ongoing education for the OVCs and Guardians is another component.
- Creating a VCT program report and proposal to be used by FIMRC when soliciting support and illustrating programs to partner organizations in Uganda and the US.
- Creating outreach material to expand the reach of Project Bumwalukani.
- Painting Arlington Academy of Hope library through mobilizing student body to create and paint murals.
