About 2-years ago, Simiyu J. Bramuel, the Executive Project Coordinator for Arrow Web Hospital initially presented the idea for a Patient Assistant training program. He wanted this program to be specifically targeted toward the many orphaned children living in the slum areas outside of Nairobi. Most people living in this area earn less than $1USD per day. Bramuel and the board members worked together to try and determine an appropriate budget to start the program. They found that they would not be able to realistically manage it if they took too many students, so they decided to start with 3 with the requirement that the student must be orphaned-without both parents. The training program was set up to last for 1-year.
In 2007, Arrow Web Hospital began recruiting for the program and were able to find 3 students. These students successfully graduated and are now working in local hospitals at Patient Assistants. In 2008, they recruited another 3 students. These students finished their studies on January 30, 2009. Arrow Web Hospital is committed to helping each of the students enrolled in the program secure employment upon their graduation. Since the inception of the training program, Arrow Web Hospital has found that the cost per student is roughly $15/mo. This covers their education materials, breakfast and lunch.
In 2009, they were hoping to have enough funds to recruit 10 students, but unfortunately they do not have enough money to support that. They recently accepted new applications for a new class and received over 40 applicants from the local community. We know there is much interest in the local community based on this response. Unfortunately due to lack of funding, the hospital will only be able to accept 3 students again this year.
Meet our New Students
Arrow Web Hospital is proud to introduce the newest students accepted into the training program:
Irene
Irene was born in the Kayole Soweto slums to a single mother. In 1986, her mother later died and left Irene alone to care for her 2 brothers and four sisters. Through well wishes, Irene managed to achieve an A-level education. She is the only bread winner for her brothers and sisters. Arrow Web Hospital has accepted her into the training program to provide her with the education and experience she needs to help change her life and the lives of her brothers and sisters.Doreen
Doreen was born in Kisii and later moved to Kayole-Soweto where her both parents died leaving 9 orphaned children. Doreen is the first born in her family. She was born in 1983 and is now the primary bread winner for her 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Through well wishes, she achieved an A-level education. Doreen is taking the 1-year patient assistant course at Arrow Web Hospital so that in future live she can financially assist her family once she gains enough experience.
Charles
Charles was born in Kiambu and later moved to Kayole Soweto where both of his parents died leaving 5 orphaned children. Charles was 17-years old when his parents died. He is the first born son and has 4 brothers. Born 1982, he is the bread winner for his family. Through well wishes he managed to achieve an A-level education. Charles is taking one-year patient assistant course at the hospital so that he can gain the experience necessary to better assist his family in the future.
Long-Term Sustainability
The hospital would love to make this a more sustainable training program and we are interested in obtaining ideas on how to do that. We are looking for organizations that may be able to provide funding, or sponsors willing to donate $15/mo. for 1-year so that they could then increase the number of students. Micro-finance has also been considered as a possible option. If you have ideas or are interested in helping us, we'd love to hear from you. Our team of online volunteers is presently discussing options for long-term sustainability in our virtual village at Nabuur.com
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