Tue 1st December 2009

MAI'S BIGGEST VOLUNTEER TEAM BACK FROM NIGERIA

Eleven volunteers have returned recently from Vom Hospital in Plateau State, Nigeria.  The team were able to accomplish a range of projects.

Led by Jan Sumner, one group taught on Diabetes at the School of Nursing.  Diabetes is rampant in Nigeria with very poor response to the scale of the problem.  Up to 120 student nurses and staff crowded into the room to attend 3 days of seminars and workshops.

Led by Tony Croucher, most of the team were part of refurbishing some very delapidated staff accommodation.  Working alongside local tradesmen, the team completely overhauled one home and left funds for another to be completed by the local team.

Led by Maggie Snowball, another group worked with the patients of Vom Hospital's Drug Rehab Centre.  Both men and women were taught skills and engaged in recreational therapy.

In addition, the team participated in a range of activities with a local church, sharing songs and stories with children and adults during the week long visit.

This was MAI's largest volunteer team ever.  John Earwicker commented: "We were a pretty diverse bunch but we had a real sense of purpose and togetherness.  Staying at the income generating Guest House and working closely with local people brought home the reality and necessity of our work."

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