by Dr. Katie Wolf

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog, which can mean one of several things. One, there’s nothing interesting that’s been going on, two, I’ve been having problems with internet and/or computer or three, there’s too much going on and I’ve been too busy to report on it! In this case, it’s definitely not the first reason, since there has been a lot going on. I’ve actually had significant computer problems lately, since my computer crashed several weeks ago and I didn’t have easy access to my saved files (had to use a Dell instead of my Mac). And, I have been very busy as we’ve made significant progress on several fronts. So, let’s catch up and see what’s been going on in Gatineau!

We had another wonderful visit in early October with students and faculty from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON). Under the direction of Nicole Warren and Sara Groves, the 8 students worked with us on our ongoing Water and Sanitation Project in six communities near the clinic site. They did a year-end evaluation for us of the Community Promoter activities, going into the communities and making random home visits, meeting with community members and leaders and interviewing the 12 Community Promoters regarding their activities. They found that the Promoters have, indeed, helped people change their behaviors by building tippy-taps to use for washing their hands, treating their water and cleaning up their water sources.

In addition, the students and faculty directed a two-day seminar for the Promoters on the subject of “Community Motivation”. This was extremely well received and the Promoters loved the games and demonstrations that were done to make the subject come alive. Here are some photos from the sessions:

Promoters and students divide into groups to discuss their experiences in the communities

A promoter discusses how his group made a “house” out of tongue depressors, demonstrating the topics of use of available resources and planning ahead for a project

Smile on the face of a Promoter as he learns valuable new skills

Game with yarn demonstrating teamwork and inter-connectedness of the Promoters and students

Faculty member Nicole Warren looks on

Retired faculty member Sara Groves returned to JHSON to teach this course and help evaluate our Water and Sanitation Project. Sara led a group of students to us last year to do the initial evaluation at the beginning of the Water and Sanitation Project

Stay tuned for more updates about a recent visits from members of Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church and our FHH Board of Directors.