Mission Trip #7 – October 2011 (Youth)

Participating Donors:

Neville Creates, Jackson Coghill, Eric Romolock & Stephanie Malley

Goals

This 1 month trip was comprised of 4 youth who were dedicated to providing volunteer labour and skill to APDA deployments including a registered nurse, Stephanie Malley, who was deployed at the new Barbara May Maternity Hospitality located in Milli, Afar.  Additionally, the youth were challenged to raise $5,000 CAD before departure which would then be committed to a project of their choice that they would research in situ.

Accomplishments

Medical expertise was provided to the Barbara May Maternity Hospital which included setting up the pharmacy, providing hygiene training, developing medical presentation materials and providing medical/nursing assistance to Dr. Margaret McDougall, the Medical Director.  Secondly, at the hospital, the mission trip participants repaired the deficient grey water drainage system by excavating by hand much of the existing system and regrading the slope to ensure proper drainage and sanitation. Finally, at the hospital, much needed repairs to the existing water tower were completed by the mission trip participants.

The group delivered Plumpy’Nut rations (ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) used for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition) to drought affected regions and those at risk at different locations in the Afar region.  APDA also deployed mission trip participants to assist with the preparation of the cultural ceremonies surrounding the inauguration of the new Assayita Afar Sultan.

During their time in the Afar of Ethiopia, and as part of their goals, the youth group sought out a project to support by attending meetings and investigating options.  After much deliberation, the youth group selected the Eritrean refugee High School student project to fund, which constituted supporting 66 male and female students committed to completing their education with books, uniforms, food and lodging.  Our Foundation added to their contribution with an amount of $2,500 CAD to support this project.