We have been graced by a visit from Ruth Ntheeu (Daniel’s wife) who is here from Kenya visiting her two daughters and their family. It was a pleasure to have Ruth attend the Women’s Friendship Group Cultural Diversity Day celebration luncheon and meet so many of the women who have supported the projects for Kanthi. Ruth was able to express first hand hers and the people of Kanthi’s gratitude for all the help they have received. Ruth certainly embraced the spirit of diversity with the Aussie flag and koala on her lapel!
Daniel has advised me of the danger of snakes in Kanthi, where they inhabit the thatched huts and periodically bite the inhabitants. When a person is bitten they run in fright to try to get to a hospital, which is a “deadly” thing to do! I made enquiries, at the hospital in Mutomo about having some of the villagers trained in first aid and having a supply of anti venom. This was proving difficult as there is no refrigeration in the village to store the anti venom serum.
In a conversation with Anne Marie the pharmacist at Bulleen Village Pharmacy I asked about purchasing First Aid kits and compression bandages to treat the bite and slow down the spread of the venom. Low and behold I received a telephone call the next day from Anne Marie to say that three girls from the Pharmacy, Kelly, Vic and herself were donating three Family First Aid kits containing 126 pieces designed to cater for most emergencies and bandages for Ruth to take back with her when she returns to Kanthi. I must say that people’s generosity towards the people of Kanthi never ceases to amaze me.
As Ruth is a retired teacher I asked her if she would be interested to attend a first aid training course whilst here in Australia (her visa allows for her “to study”) and then train a committee of women to administer the first aid as necessary. She agreed willingly so I shall source out a suitable institution for her to attend. Again thanks to people’s generosity another “step forward” for the people of Kanthi.
Should you have missed previous bulletin updates please visit www.walkforwater.com.au/news
Cheers,
HELEN