Middle School Nurses

Pharmacy 

One of the huge problems in this area is lack of education. In the entire hospital staff of over 100 nationals (from the cleaners to the nurse assistants) there are about 5 people who have finished high school. The first graduating high school class in this area was 2009. The statistics are staggering, but unfortunately not surprising considering the history of this area. A huge amount of fighting between North and South Sudan took place in South Kordorfan in the Nuba Mountains. There simply were no schools to attend during that period.  Some children were sent elsewhere for education, but times of war render financial instability and the funds were not available to the vast majority.  The other problem with the Nuba Mountains is that they are not part of South Sudan, so they are not eligible for many scholarships set up for the Sudanese. When I talk to some of my colleagues, 99% of them are desperate for an opportunity to continue studying. Some are trying to save up money for school fees by working at the hospital, many are using their salaries to send their younger brothers and sisters to school instead of finishing more school themselves.  For example, my translator Kodiki only finished half of high school and his salary (~$100/month) goes towards feeding, clothing, and schooling his younger siblings since his father lost his life during the war.

Right now there are several former hospital employees who began nursing school through sponsorships in South Sudan.  The program is 4 years long and they are the first group to be sent from our hospital.  The hope is that in the future these trained nurses will eventually be the ward in charges.  The other opportunity for medical education is a basic nursing course at a local NGO.  They just graduated their first class this past year, and although they have some book knowledge, they lack hands on experience.  In the mean time, the hospital staff continues to run with nurse aids that cannot tell you where Japan is on a map but can start an IV line and assist in the operating room.  These individuals are extremely dedicated to the hospital and their drive to learning clearly outweighs any formal education they have received.

Miriam, who after I learned was my translator's Aunt, I now call Auntie in Arabic. She calls me "Betu" and hooks me up with tea.

 

Lojo and Mandi (you might know him better as the "rat slapper")

Some of the lab staff

Rhiala: one of the few high school grads seeking further education

 Joseph: my buddy seeking to be in every picture I took

If you know anyone who would like to sponsor an employee or one of their family members for educational opportunities get in touch with me!