News & Events

After the failures in 2016 to find water by drilling, our advisors recommended a large rainwater harvesting scheme and work began in summer 2017. When I visited in September the walls of the 50,000 litre tank had been built and were ready for the domed roof .

This has now been completed and the tank passed its 'leak test'. The guttering and connection from the large roof of the adjacent primary school were completed and the tank became operational just in time for the autumn rains.

The clinic is also benefiting from a government award for 'good performance'.
We saw work in progress tiling the floor and walls of some rooms, making them much easier to keep clean and hygienic.

Nick Vinall
FUM Treasurer

The FUM borehole and pump, completed in 2016, were still giving good water despite the drought. The doctor’s house was looking good after work by FUM, and the patients’ new toilets at the clinic were nearing completion. The clinic was being upgraded with a government RBF grant.

Nick Vinall
FUM Treasurer

This Gillett clinic from 1983 was in very good condition thanks to the RBF grant. Storage arrangements for medicines were excellent, the best we saw. John Gillett would have been proud of ‘his’ clinic.

We were entertained with a very imaginative song and dance routine by children and women, neatly including a musical ‘wish list’ for future support from FUM !

Nick Vinall
FUM Treasurer

In summer 2017 the hospital benefited from two significant developments:

• Three UK doctors spent 6 weeks at the hospital in April/May during their 'medical elective' placement arranged by FUM. They stayed in Devon House at nearby Urambo FDC. The hospital is understaffed and the three provided invaluable 'extra hands' said Dr Kagya the District Medical Officer. It was also a potentially life-changing experience for the doctors and two stayed on in Tanzania for several weeks. Read their report.
• Maternity delivery beds Thanks to a substantial donation from Cranbrook School, with a top-up from FUM supporters, two much needed delivery beds were bought locally by the hospital, nearly doubling the current three beds.

The new Nursing School is now open and, with an eye to the future, can have another storey added as demand and funds allow. The old one is used as an additional dormitory and its electrical circuitry has been upgraded by our colleagues at Friends of Nzega.

Further discussion with the DMO Dr Sengo about much needed additional nurse training was fruitful. A scheme is now in place to enable nurses at the hospital to upgrade their skills, with the fees for the two year course paid by FUM and FON. There has also been progress to provide support for local people who cannot afford the basic nurse training course. After completion of their course they are expected to work at Nzega hospital for three years.

Nick Vinall
FUM Treasurer

Due to poor winter rains the 2017 dry season was the worst for 10 years and water had to be rationed. Fortunately the autumn rains were good and came early so the maize and other crops are now growing well.

The downside was that an unusually bad autumn storm damaged the roof of Devon House, used by guests at the FDC, and cut off the electricity supply. Both these have now been repaired.

Nick Vinall
FUM Treasurer

New water supply For many years the FDC has not had a reliable supply of clean water. With the help of the local water 'boss' Mr Lucky Mgeni FUM has paid for the FDC to be connected to a new town borehole.

This has made a big difference to students and staff in terms of sanitation and hygiene and the vegetable garden is now thriving.

Students update Mr Nestory has reported that student numbers are excellent. The·great popularity of domestic electric installation and motor mechanics reflects the growing demands of the local economy. 25 students from poor families receive support from FUM. There are still the traditional courses in tailoring, masonry and bricklaying, and carpentry. Eight students are registered for the 3-month short IT course.

Kindergarten This is thriving with 30 children now attending daily, supervised by a local young woman. Parents pay Tsh.3000 (about £1) a month for breakfast for the children.

Devon House for accommodating visitors has had the bathroom upgraded and a new fridge and wi-fi router installed. FUM chairman Richard Pratt and Jo Taylor stayed there in November 2016 and three UK doctors are there in April/May 2017 while spending their 'elective' at nearby Urambo Hospital. They took some laptop chargers for the FDC computers.
 

Huruma Centre is a nearby refuge for orphans and children with albinism. FUM is now supporting the centre by providing specialist sun hats, much needed to reduce melanomas.

Di Cooper
FUM FDC Co-ordinator