Story of Kikandwa in Uganda by Deb Bishop
Kathleen McCracken was introduced, and she talked about the Rotaract club in Des Moines, which is a Program of Rotary International. The club is for 18-30-year olds in DSM metro area and its focus is on local and international service projects.
What is happening in Kikandwa (considered the pearl of Africa)? Located on the north shore of Lake Victoria (one of largest lakes in the world), the city is in a rural area about one hour north and west of Kumpala.
2012 – The Need and Request
Drake has been taking students to Uganda for 12 years. In 2012, they met with elders who shared needs within agriculture, but students asked, “what can we do for you?”. What was really need is healthcare (a health center). Additional questions then surfaced about what is specifically needed. The answer… we need care for mothers, babies, and small children.
January 2013
The next trip to Uganda held where a meeting with elders was held to talk about what this might look like. One of the first partners brought on was the leadership from Uganda dioceses, who graciously agreed that healthcare center could be placed on land near their church. The healthcare center was to be built in 3 phases, and Rotary became involved through leadership from the Kumpala South Rotary club (one Rotarian became the architect).
May 2013
With Drake students there, initial ground-breaking took place, and later in the year, the first phase went up.
May 2014
Ribbon-cutting took place, with the center designed to be a general service facility where immunizations took place. There were 4 beds initially, but it wasn’t set up for overnight stays. If critical issues surfaced, patients went to hospital. Clinical director then became the doctor, which qualified the center as a health center 3. January 2015 Matter, out of Minneapolis, was brought on as an additional partner to provide beds, wheelchairs and other equipment (over $200K in equipment). Corruption was a challenge to moving container to the location. Summer 2015 Students traveled to health center and participatted/enjoyed the children, workers, and patients.
2016
Clean water was brought to the neighborhood. Solar-powered pumps were installed to bring clean water to the village.
Clean water was brought to the neighborhood. Solar-powered pumps were installed to bring clean water to the village.
2017
Started out with breaking ground in May to get ready for phase 2.
Started out with breaking ground in May to get ready for phase 2.
June 2018
Phase 2 ribbon-cutting, which is a maternity ward. A full-time mid-wife and nurses are on staff 24/7, and Health Days were held with large crowds present (these happen monthly where immunizations are given).
Phase 2 ribbon-cutting, which is a maternity ward. A full-time mid-wife and nurses are on staff 24/7, and Health Days were held with large crowds present (these happen monthly where immunizations are given).