We would like to extend a huge “thank you!” to volunteer Claire who volunteered with us in Ruarwe for 4 weeks. A qualified doctor from Australia, with experience with remote working there, Claire worked alongside the staff at Ruarwe Health Centre and really got stuck into life at Nyumba ya Masambiro and in the village. She has written a wonderful summary of her time here in Malawi:
“🇲🇼I was thanked by community members for coming to work at Ruarwe Health Clinic because it is so remote that not even local Malawian doctors want to go there. It is only accessible by boat and foot. There are no roads. There was no running water for most of my time there and only electricity to a few key buildings in the village.
It was a no-brainer for me to go to Ruarwe; it is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I have been fully aware of my privilege since I was young. Lucky to be born into a wealthy white family to very healthy and loving parents in a country where others were and continue to battle a multitude of devastating illnesses and hardship.
My role in Ruarwe was to give the medical assistant a break. He has been working 24/7 365 for the last 7 years. Yes, that is right he has been on call for the last 7 years and receives a whopping salary of approx. $500/month. I would see everyone in the morning clinic, and he would “switch off,” answer any questions, and see the very sick patients that’d require inpatient observation.
Yes, it was tough. I was using a translator the whole time, so nothing was quick and easy. Were there cultural barriers? Yes, of course, but that happens everywhere you go. Would I do it again? Yes, of course.
Thank you to Phunzira and NYM for making it possible. Thank you to Philippa for making the whole experience amazing. Thank you to the Ruarwe community, NYM staff, and clinic staff for welcoming me in and helping me every day. Tawonga chomene 🖤❤️💚”
Thank you Claire for giving your time to the community and we very much hope to see you here again soon!
Phunzira 