On the 3rd of January 2009, the community of Olimai formally launched its first project of many to come. The Ugandan Minister of Health Dr. Malinga was on hand to officially open Olimai Health Care Centre tribute to the Late Romano Omongot Akol 1936-1987 (RIP). It was a truly remarkable experience taking part in this initiative for which the sky is the limit.
With a population of over 3000 in the immediate neighbourhood, the function was very well attended and appreciated by the community. As in all African functions, Food and drink was part of the ceremonies. The local church choir was on hand to offer thanks during a thanks giving mass conducted by Father Deo. For entertainment, the Olimai mother’s association were on hand to share their appreciation for the effort to make their lives a bit better. Mothers have the added burden of taking care of the health of the entire family and were very appreciative of the developments.
With a population of over 3000 in the immediate neighbourhood, the function was very well attended and appreciated by the community. As in all African functions, Food and drink was part of the ceremonies. The local church choir was on hand to offer thanks during a thanks giving mass conducted by Father Deo. For entertainment, the Olimai mother’s association were on hand to share their appreciation for the effort to make their lives a bit better. Mothers have the added burden of taking care of the health of the entire family and were very appreciative of the developments.
A Girls choir from Olimai primary school did a few numbers to entertain the guests too while a traditional akongo (thumb piano) group treated the crowd to a few numbers. After the mass and speeches, the ceremonies lasted in the wee hours of the night as locals and visitors from as far away as Eldoret Kenya took in the rest of the festivities.
The Akol family donated a parcel of land on their property and put up a medical block that has a consultation room, pharmacy room, laboratory room, labour room and an injection room. It also houses a waiting area for patients and is adjacent to staff quarters block for three.
After serving the public for 32 years as a public servant, Mrs Akol Amuge has now shifted her attention to her local community retiring to it. This project is at the forefront of trying to make a difference one village at a time. At the very least, health is paramount to any form of development in the community thus the health Care centre as a starting point.
With a health community, there are many other programs that will be incorporated into this development effort to try and map a way forward. One of the main projects the health care centre will be undertaking is primary health care education, family planning and AIDS out reach to help manage the population growth which is a staggering average of twelve children per house hold.
The community is already over its optimum population with land increasingly becoming a cause of disputes. With a managed population growth, improved access to good health, education will be able to take shape with students exhaling at all levels.
The next phase of the project will be to rally support for an income generation project to help provide formal and informal job opportunities to the local in the area. It is truly a ground up approach to bettering one’s community with, the potential of offering up to 20 jobs with time.
The Akol family donated a parcel of land on their property and put up a medical block that has a consultation room, pharmacy room, laboratory room, labour room and an injection room. It also houses a waiting area for patients and is adjacent to staff quarters block for three.
After serving the public for 32 years as a public servant, Mrs Akol Amuge has now shifted her attention to her local community retiring to it. This project is at the forefront of trying to make a difference one village at a time. At the very least, health is paramount to any form of development in the community thus the health Care centre as a starting point.
With a health community, there are many other programs that will be incorporated into this development effort to try and map a way forward. One of the main projects the health care centre will be undertaking is primary health care education, family planning and AIDS out reach to help manage the population growth which is a staggering average of twelve children per house hold.
The community is already over its optimum population with land increasingly becoming a cause of disputes. With a managed population growth, improved access to good health, education will be able to take shape with students exhaling at all levels.
The next phase of the project will be to rally support for an income generation project to help provide formal and informal job opportunities to the local in the area. It is truly a ground up approach to bettering one’s community with, the potential of offering up to 20 jobs with time.
Congrats on the opening of the clinic, the people need all the help they can get.
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