More Goggle Working Friday 1 September

With three clinics now in operation in Malawi, so the need for glasses is growing! Thankfully, our supply of second-hand glasses is keeping pace too, but before they can be sent to the clinics, we have to sort, wash, measure and package them. And that’s what we do at Goggle Works Parties (as well as eat and drink a little). So we need your help! No previous experience needed, full training provided. Our next party is on Friday 1 September at 19:30 in Colchester. Call 01206 622712 for more details.

Focus on Malawi sponsors clinician for further training

One of Focus on Malawi’s main priorities is to help provide training for staff at the clinics in Ekwendeni, Livingstonia and Embangweni, and we do this as suitable staff become available there, and as funds allow here.

The latest candidate is Lesley Matimba, a medical assistant working in Ekwendeni eye clinic, who has been accepted on (and started in June 2017) an 18-month course at Malawi College of Health Sciences at Blantyre. On this course he is working for an upgrade diploma in clinical medicine, which will lead to further training in ophthalmology. To help with his studies, FoM volunteer Jill Paxton has donated a laptop and we’ll be sending that out with our next visiting team in September 2017. Thank you Jill!

We believe that one of the most effective ways to eradicate poverty is to encourage locally sustainable training, knowledge, skills and work. If you would like to help, why not think about contributing to someone’s clinical education? All the courses we sponsor lead to qualifications that are only valid in Malawi, so the candidates remain committed to serving within their country. If you’d like to know more, contact Sue (see sidebar right).