Clinic and the School

The clinic and the children supported by St. Joseph’s Church have been dear to our hearts since 2005 when we started working with them. We visited them this morning and were over the moon to hear that one of the children we had supported since that time is now teaching at an excellent school  in Colombo. The other children are doing well in spite of their tragic circumstances.  One family lives in the mud against the wall.  The clinic was, as usual full with waiting patients and the doctor was too busy for a chat but we were able to see the patients coming in for consultations, which reminded us just how worthwhile this particular project is.
The clinic recently held a free of charge medical camp, which was very successful.

 ‘The Medical camp was a great success and each year the numbers seem  to be increasing. We obtained the assistance of HelpAge for the testing of eyes and they detected over 25 cases of cataract which needed surgery. They have been  referred to their clinic where the surgery is done free of charge. They will also provide reading glasses to those in need. In addition we had Fasting Blood Sugar, Hearing testing, General health and Bone Health checks and nutritional counselling. It took a lot of planning and coordinating for this programme but at the end it was well worth it since so many benefited from this camp.’ [ An extract from an email from the administrator of the clinic]

After this we visited the school to have a chat with the Principal regarding communication and other general matters. It was successful (we think) and the Principal was delighted by the poster from the Village school in Hampstead, London, which we put up in her office.

We also met with the building contractor to discuss the renovation of the primary school area and a computer room. This was a productive meeeting and it was agreed that work will start at the beginning of August, when the school term ends.