It’s been a while since we last updated our blog. While we've shared updates on social media, we wanted to capture here some of the most meaningful moments from our work. So, let's first rewind back to 2023, when co-founder Marin, along with her partner Dion, finally had the chance to visit Kahama and meet Fortunatus in person again after years of collaborating online.
A Warm Welcome in Kahama
Upon arriving, we were greeted with an outpouring of warmth and hospitality from Fortunatus, his family, and the Kahama community. The next day, a local priest invited us to attend a special service to bless the work we’ve done. It was humbling and heartwarming to feel the support of the community in such a beautiful way.
Bringing Joy to the Local Orphanage
One of our first stops was the local orphanage, where we’d brought along a few gifts—footballs and coloring books for the kids. Yo should have seen the smiles on their faces as we played and laughed together! Between dancing, kicking around the football, and listening to some inspiring words from local government officials and healthcare professionals, the day was unforgettable.
Exploring Kahama’s Streets
Kahama itself is a vibrant town with so much happening on every corner. As we walked through the streets, we saw markets buzzing with life, kids playing soccer in any open space they could find, and animals weaving through the crowd. It was a lively sight, one that reminded us of the strength and energy of this community.
Meeting with Local Leaders
A highlight of our trip was meeting with Kahama's mayor and the social-team responsible for healthcare and social affairs in the region. Presenting our future plans to the district board felt like such a pivotal moment, especially as we received such encouraging feedback and ideas from the board members. It’s clear that there’s a shared passion for improving healthcare here, and we left the meeting inspired and excited for the future.
Challenges at the Local Health Centers
During our visit, we also met Rashidi, a local doctor carrying on his father’s legacy by caring for his community. His health center, about 30 kilometers from Kahama, faces significant challenges due to a lack of materials and resources. Rashidi showed us around, demonstrating what few tests he can conduct on-site. It was heartbreaking to see how limited his options are for treating patients, many of whom face a long journey to the city hospital if further care is needed. This visit reinforced the importance of our mission to support healthcare access in the region.
Health Education and Family Insurance
Fortunatus and Marin also took time to visit the surrounding communities, providing local families with insurance cards and educating them on the symptoms of malaria and other common illnesses. Watching Fortunatus in action, sharing vital health knowledge, was a proud moment—it’s this dedication that keeps our foundation going.
Planning for the Future
Of course, no trip would be complete without some planning. Marin and Fortunatus discussed future initiatives, and we handed over a suitcase full of medical supplies from the Netherlands. We’re aiming to make these trips a regular occurrence (at least every other year!), not only to see the incredible impact of our work but also to experience the joy of working face-to-face without the usual internet glitches!
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