Something happened in my friend's placement community which I want to share with you. Her placement partner, who is Ugandan and comes from the community they work in, was abandoned by his mother at the age of two and brought up by his Aunt. Last week she had a miscarriage. She lay in a bed at the local, poorly stocked, under-staffed clinic and bled to death because there was no one to take her to a hospital. In a final injustice her husband and nephew had to carry her blood soaked body back to their house on the back of a motorbike. She leaves behind five children, nephews, nieces and a devastated husband on suicide watch. She was 36.
When things like that happen , aside from the awful loss and sense of hopelessness, its a real slap in the face for what we do here. What right do you have to stand in front of a class of students and tell them to go for STD testing at a clinic which they associate with that kind of treatment? How can you possibly tell people that you understand their problems?
Sorry but I can't be cheerful all the time.
Photography Website
14 years ago
Oh angel, that must have been an awful thing to be near, no less be involved in. I hope the family survive this, if possible send sympathies from I imagine everyone who reads this. I'm about to read your blog written a coupla days ago, I've not had chance yet, but I hope the positives help balance things out.
ReplyDeleteIt must seem like more of a stark contrast to ol' blighty than ever but remember to sappreciate every day you havce out there, and that there are a million hugs waiting here for you when you get back.
All my heart
Tess
xxx