With your help the people of West Africa have "a chance, not only to change their own lives and their own destinies, but to change the future of an entire generation".

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

A message for all it seems

No matter how many times we teach about NOT urinating in public areas (and not defecating either)
we continue to have a challenge at the airfield car park. Last week a well educated man, from a reputable institution, was upset when we reprimanded him for urinating within 20metres of the toilet block in the car park. He told us he did not come to the airfield for education. Well, he got a surprise free lesson!
 
To avoid confusion we are now placing large clear signs.
 
If you are visiting us, please help us to promote good public health with no urinating and no littering, please use the toilets and waste bins provided.
 
There are over 6 million children in Ghana at risk of schistosomiasis, spread uniquely by poor personal toilet management. Help us to set the standard that will reach back to the communities at risk.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Learning through song

One of the challenges with learning about health starts with the name of parts of the body.

Singing the Head shoulders knees and toes song, lead by Mabel our hearing and speaking challenged apprentice, adds to the learning and promotes integration.
 
They will take this song back to their communities later this year.

 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Such a simple message.....

You cannot imagine how excited we were when we found about 10 of these signs erected around the
mango farm next to the airfield.

It appears that our messages are getting home and that our neighbours are joining in the health sing along.

Ok, so his motivation is a little different, but all those conversations over the years about the need for a healthier community and improved sanitation/personal habits appears to be worth the effort.

The graphics are not shocking nor rude here - but most importantly they help to get the message across!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Visibility is key to safety

This weekend Paul J gave us a beacon for the truck. It will increase visibility when carrying out vehicle movements on the airfield and add to visibility when moving truck loads of materials for field maintenance.

Without the kind support of large and small gifts and loans we could not achieve what we do.

Thank you to everybody who has helped us reach our current state of development

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Learning security

As part of increasing airfield security we have just completed a new fence. Now the young
apprentices are clearing the ditches and working on improving the conditions around the airfield perimeter.

These skills can then be transferred back to their communities during their vacations and family visits.

Appropriate education and hard work is the only thing that sits between poverty and a healthier community.

We are proud of the efforts these youngsters are putting into their learning.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Basic skills

With the new intake of trainees we need to establish their strengths and weaknesses. Part of that
includes being dropped in the bush with a sketched map, and to find their way back to the airfield, finding 5 treasures along the way.

One man's treasure is another man's trash, so they must discover their own treasures.




 Home safe and sound!!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Feeding the crew

With the new girls in for training our feeding bill is rising faster than a F16 with after burners in a
vertical climb.

Consequently we are finding ways to manage our challenges. Buying in bulk is not always a positive action in our climate, however rice is always a a good standby that stores well.

In hunting it down we found that this lad who is barely 12 years old is loading and unloading 25kg (55lb) bags. The good news is that he is healthy. .. but it just brings home to us that childhoods are stolen by economics in our part of the world.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Chapter two.....

Every story is composed of chapters, and as one closes, another opens. This week we see the start of
a new chapter at Kpong Airfield, with 11 new apprentices all hoping to complete their four year programme to become part of the MoM, AvTech and WAASPS Team.

This year we have numbered them, it makes it easier for us and you to follow their progress whilst protecting individuals.

Number 30 is hearing and speech impared is on a catering and support apprenticeship, the others are on general airfield, engineering and health educator apprenticeships.

Follow them here as they learn and grow. Some may leave, but none will fail, since already they have learned a lot about discipline, hygiene and how aviation and health are integrated.


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Can't buy it.... no worries we'll make it..


Lydia and Patricia are working on development of a new tool for simplification of production of the drop chute parts and other items needed as we prepare for conditions to improve for drops into the Afram Plains.

If this light folding unit comes out right it may be something that rural communities could implement in light engineering in their developments.

We are always looking at appropriate technology for development and enjoy seeing the changes to people's lives that health and technology, albeit realitively simple, can bring.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

A sign of things to come.

With over 4km of fence line to maintain and a recent increase in incursions we are making signs to go around the field. Much as it has been pointed out that many people cannot read, such signage should help us to reduce incursions and to facilitate interactions with the Police when the need arises.

Ghana Police are incredibly supportive and correct in all their dealings with us at the airfield, and we are pleased to enjoy the security that such a professional team provides in Ghana.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Leading by Example

Patricia Mawuli, engineer and pilot for Medicine on the Move, has been selected as a role model in a poster campaign being rolled out in Ghana. 
 
The need for positive role models for the young African women is great and Medicine on the Move is pleased to be a part of bringing Patricia to the people for the people through positive impressions and a constant desire to change lives.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Keeping it cool.....

Lydia and Patricia are working on a new cooling system for AF and with it cowling modifications.
 
The confidence with these women work is testimony to the ability that can be found If you are prepared to dedicate time and energy towards sustainable solutions.