Nicaragua:

The group in Mazetenango

It’s hard to believe eight weeks have already flown by since SI Nicaragua started this year.

We faced unexpected challenges this year: due to changes in MOH regulations, we were unable to place students in public hospitals. (We’re now undergoing the new registration process for next year). However, we were able to find solutions thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the program. Some students are working in NGO-sponsored hospitals, while a group of ten students moved to Guatemala to work with our partner hospitals there.

Meeting Dr. Malkin (left) at the airport in Guatemala

This weekend, everyone will reunite in Granada for the final conference to share the work they’ve accomplished and the experiences they’ve had in Nicaragua.

Rwanda:

Students in Rwanda are in their second month and have been working in local hospitals for almost three weeks now. Here’s a look at what they have to say about it:

“This week, my teammates and I focused on trying to settle into a routine. We arrive at work at eight every morning and leave at five. During the day, we work on various projects around the workshop. So far, we have successfully repaired a patient monitor and diagnosed the problem on another one. We also began working our way through a pile of 22 oxygen concentrators that were recently donated to the hospital. Our technician asked us to go through the pile and perform both preventive and corrective maintenance on the machines. We also spent quite a bit of time with our technician in the sterilization room. One of the hospital's two sterilizers has been out of use since April. It is a very large and complicated machine, so finding the problem has been difficult. Below is a picture of our workshop.” – Katie (http://happyrwanda.blogspot.com/)

“Regarding certain equipment, I have realized that my efforts in the hospitals must extend beyond repair. Sometimes, donated equipment cannot be used because it needs to be calibrated or programmed first. Often, the instructions for these tasks are in English, and the hospital staff doesn’t have the time to figure out how to read them. Richard and I have encountered this dilemma with a particular model of infant incubator. We have since realized that even after equipment set-up, Richard and I are responsible for training the nurses on how to use the equipment. This has been a rewarding experience as well; the nurses are always very eager to learn how to use new devices.” – Bryan (http://bryanrwanda.blogspot.com/)

“This past weekend, we traveled to Kibuye to visit Lake Kivu with Laura, Jade, and Bre. On Saturday, we made our way to the environmental museum. We learned about the different sources of energy there is in the world, and what kinds of energy Rwanda uses. At the end of the tour, the museum guide showed us an herbal garden that was located at the top of the building. It was interesting to see what local plants can be used to treat burns, stomach pains, and many other ailments. Afterwards, the five of us, and Katie who joined us later in the day, went on a boat ride on Lake Kivu. We visited two islands: Napoleon Island and Peace Island. We hiked up Napoleon Island and were able to catch an amazing bird’s eye view of the lake. We ended our boat ride by stopping in the middle of the lake and watching the sunset. It was my first time seeing the sunset in its full glory so I was in awe of its beauty. We ended our day by eating at the restaurant in the hotel we stayed at. Overall, the weekend was great. I was able to see everyone and was able to experience Lake Kivu and all of its glory!” – Aurelie (http://aurelieinrwanda.blogspot.com/)

Tanzania:

This week, our 19 Tanzania students switched from their first month of training to their second month of working in hospitals. The first month was a busy one! Students visited Arusha National Park, studied Swahili, learned how to repair medical equipment, and started practicing their skills together at Mt. Meru Regional Hospital and Tengeru Hospital.

     Jack & Faiaz working with Sharif at Mt. Meru                                           Team Michelle fixing an oxygen concentrator

Group hiking to see waterfalls

Although sad to leave Arusha, they are excited to meet their new host families and get to work!

Stay tuned for an update from Nepal!