Friends of Arrow Web Hospital: February 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009

Medical Supplies Arrive in Nairobi

Last year, Motorsport Medical Services in the UK agreed to donate 2 boxes of medical supplies to Arrow Web Hospital. Alison, from AVIF Volunteers worked tirelessly to negotiate transport of the boxes with Kenya Airways. Before it was all said and done, 9 more boxes were added to the donation. The first 2 boxes arrived safely in Kenya last week and were picked up and delivered safely to Arrow Web Hospital.

The last 9 boxes arrived yesterday, but unfortunately the same agent who released the two boxes of supplies to Bramuel last week now believes he needs $200 to release them. All 9 of these boxes were marked to show they are of no monetary value. The KRA official asked Bramuel to provide official paperwork, which he obtained from the NGO Council. This was still not enough for this official to be satisfied and release the donated supplies.

Bramuel and Alison from AVIF worked all day trying to get the donation released. A formal complaint will be filed with the anti-corruption office, but for now we wait.

Bicycles Donated for Arrow Web Hospital Community Health Team

For the last several weeks, we have been discussing options for better transportation for the 5 members of the Arrow Web Hospital Community Health Team. We decided that bicycles with carriers may be the best and most feasible option right now. Last weekend, I sent out several emails and fully expected information back regarding how to apply for assistance, or requirements for submitting a proposal. The next morning, I was very happy to receive an email back from the Tour D'Afrique Foundation. They informed me that they have a bicycle donation scheduled in Nairobi on March 7th. They also told me they could have 5 bicycles ready for Arrow Web Hospital if someone could come to the donation ceremony, which of course, Bramuel happily agreed to do.

I personally would like to extend a very hearty thank you to Mike from the Tour D'Afrique Foundation for making this happen with short notice. We are so appreciative to you for your efforts on behalf of the hospital. Bramuel looks forward to attending the donation ceremony being held on March 7th at the Indaba Explorations campsite. Thank you so much for making such a big difference!

OUR CORE VALUES

Transparency and Accountability:

To be open and take responsibility for the affairs of the organization and make it easy for all stakeholders to understand the processes and action.

Honesty and Integrity:

To be principled and fair in service delivery and conduct all activities with unfailing commitment to high professional standards.

Teamwork:

To create a climate of trust and respect that empowers the staff to develop to the fullest by encouraging excellence innovation and shared ideas.

Innovation and Creativity:

Endeavouring to cope with constant change by cultivating a culture of creativity and innovation among staff and the local community and utilizing the most modern technology in the achievement of the organization objectives.

Quality Service Delivery:

To provide high quality and sustainable services which are timely and affordable.

Commitment to Duty:

To display commitment in whatever we do.

Non-discrimination:

To accord equal opportunity to all within and outside the organization.

Diligence:

To display steady effort and show of concern of the community.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH ARROW WEB HOSPITAL

Volunteer with us Online

We always welcome the help of volunteers both online and at the hospital. Nabuur.com is an online volunteering platform that links Neighbours (online volunteers) with Villages (local communities) in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Connected through Nabuur.com, neighbours and local communities learn about each other, share ideas and find solutions to local issues. Everybody has something to offer, and everything is done online. Do you have a little spare time and the desire to make a difference? You can contribute via http://www.nabuur.com and find Arrow Web Hospital's virtual village here:

http://www.nabuur.com/en/village/kayole-soweto.

Volunteers are also always needed to help with the following;

Community Outreach

Develops methods and opportunities to spread the message of Arrow Web Hospital, educate the community and elicit their active support. Recognizing the need for mobile clinic services and enhancing relationships with the community, Arrow Web staff members and volunteers, will develop and implement strategies to maximize community involvement and formalize partnerships between the community and healthcare workers on the ground both locally and nationally.

Event Planning

Deals specifically with planning and implementing events that will enhance our image, promote our message, and invite participation of others. This group will be responsible for developing an on-going calendar of events and will explore ways to involve the local and national community.

Fundraising

Assists in addressing the financial needs for Arrow Web Hospital through the design and implementation of fundraising activities both in our local communities and nationally. This is a critical undertaking and impacts directly on our ability to build capacity and respond to the needs of the local communities.

Procurement

Focuses on acquiring much of the medical supplies and material needed to support Arrow Web Hospital and respond to requests for assistance. There is an overwhelming need to involve as many as possible in this effort.

Research

Engages in research to help the hospital identify resources and strategic partnerships that support the mission of hospital and ongoing sustainability.

If you would like to inquire about current volunteer opportunities please e-mail info@arrowwebhospital.org with "Volunteer" in the subject heading. Please include your full contact information, professional background and what type of opportunity you are interested in.