Special Volunteer Program Tanzania

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You don’t need to have a medical background to have a memorable experience at The Tanzanian Hospital, as volunteer Russel Parry, a Finance Controller living in Paris, can testify. “As a non-medical volunteer, working in the hospital was an experience I will never forget. The advice I would give to non-medical volunteers is to go with an open mind, as conditions and patient care are obviously going to be different from what you might find in Europe.”

Russel, 30, visited Tanzania after spending the summer as a volunteer at an orphanage in Ghana. “Ghana and Tanzania were very different experiences for me. In Ghana there were more volunteers, and a much more lively atmosphere. Tanzania is a bit more remote, and there was less interaction with the local people as it is a working hospital. Having said that, the help that people can give in Tanzania really benefits the place. Tanzania was a tougher experience, but very rewarding - it was difficult when the time came to leave!”

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VOLUNTEER STORY - TANZANIA HOSPITAL

Out-Patience? Russel Parry revisits life as a non-medical volunteer in The Tanzanian Hospital

The local residents in the town are mainly subsistence farmers, planting a variety of crops including maize, cashew nuts, papayas and bananas. While four different tribal languages are spoken in the area, most people speak Swahili.

This hospital in Tanzania is run by a staff of 300 dedicated staff led by Matron Sister Martha. “I have been continuously in touch with Sister Martha”, says Claire. “I’m excited about setting this up!”

In touch...

In fact, without the donations and valuable assistance of volunteers, the hospital would probably close.

Of the £150,000 spent by the hospital last year in treating and preventing Malaria, HIV/Aids, Renal Failure, Respiratory Infections and Meningitis among others, only £50,000 came from government grants. Traditional beliefs still tempt local people to drink straight from the river and the nearest water source is often more than a mile away, leading to frequent outbreaks of water-related illnesses. Volunteers are essential to keep the hospital running smoothly. From helping with administration or entertaining younger patients, to directly caring for patient’s basic needs like Claire, in Tanzania the reward from this challenging placement comes from helping to save lives.

Set in the Southern tip of Tanzania, close to the border of Mozambique, lies this remote hospital. In a rural region where only 30% of the population have access to clean water, this is a project where volunteers can make a real difference.

Mealtime!

Welcome to Tanzania

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tanzania hospital

More about Claire’s in Tanzania...

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The hospital is one of the oldest missionary hospitals. One of it’s first residents, Mama Tekkla, was the first ‘sister-doctors’ in Tanzania.

This Tanzanian Hospital has five major departments, Medical, Surgical, Obstetrical, Paediatric and Tuberculosis, spread across a large ground-level complex. While the hospital is always in need of new equipment and support, the most important quality for a new volunteer is enthusiasm!

Claire’s Time in Tanzania - Special Report

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Teaching

Volunteers who can share their knowledge are invaluable to the hospital, as Claire explains. “I found when I was out there that we needed to focus much more on teaching theory al practice”

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Learning

“I hope I can gather some more medical volunteers and go out - it would be wonderful to go and meet friends again!”

If you would like to be involved in Claire’s visit, or would like to volunteer in Tanzania, contact original Volunteers for more information.

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A New Occupation

When Claire Howley, 26, from Leigh on Sea, Essex visited Tanzania last year, she had no idea how much her medical knowledge would benefit the patients of a remote hospital.

Trained as an Occupational Therapist, Claire was able to work alongside the doctors to help patients.

Top: Claire in the Tanzania Hospital

Sharing

In fact, the need for trained volunteers has spurred Claire on to plan a trip of her own. Next year, with the help of the Matron in charge , she hopes to co-ordinate a group visit of medically trained volunteers.

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