Medicine on the Move: The Future of MoM

Submitted by Jonathan Porter

When MoM was conceived, the concept was always a long term sustainable one. Aircraft built by West Africans, flown by West Africans for the benefit of West Africans. To get to that state takes time, dedication and a vision beyond that normally found in this part of the world.

Working with WAASPS, the approved aircraft build and flight training school that operates flights for MoM, a specialized academy has been set up. Training girls over a four year period, covering aircraft construction methods, computer systems, production using manual and automated systems (CNC/Robotics), airfield management, first aid, aviation ground school, flying lessons, tractor driving, etc.

Each year the AvTech Academy, a not-for-profit educational establishment, based at Kpong Airfield, plans to take in 4 - 6 girls (maybe boys in the future) and to expose them to learning and working in a manner that is unique in the sub-region. Based loosely on the Modern Apprenticeship concepts of the UK and mingled with the ideals of City and Guilds/GNVQ training, the programme is exciting and stimulating. The first year's intake is 4 girls.

The aim is that these girls should become the future of MoM. By being exposed to the concept of Humanitarian Aviation Logistics and volunteer-ism, this is the first step along the long and lonely road of human capital development.

Thankfully, AvTech has more help than just WAASPS/MoM. Volunteers are helping out with some of the workshop sessions too. One of these, Paul Joosten has years of experience in Africa and is an extensive globe-trotter, and he helps out with some of the learning - and plenty of encouragements. Paul recently did a day on 'Germany' and it was great to see the interest in a foreign culture, delivered first hand by a German national who understands Africa. Paul is also an excellent photographer and took the following pictures of the recruits...