Our visit to the Health Centre

Unpacking the laboratory equipment

It is the 1st of May and Labour Day in Cameroun and a public holiday. We are off to the Health Centre in Guzang where the last details are being laid in preparation for the opening this coming Saturday- 4th May 2013. This is a project from our fellow travelers from Hulshorst and Epe. The SSBK Foundation.

Over the past few years they have been instrumental in refurbishing the old centre. An additional space  has been built which functions as a meetin

g place for the population, generally mothers, who gather here for parental guidance and other educational health issues. Just as in the Netherlands, parents are invited and advised to have their children medically checked at regular interval, to be vaccinated and screened. This invitation/ request if often issued through the church and parents generally give heed to this call.

On my last trip to Kameroen I personally was witness to such a gathering- and what a huge number of parents with their children presented themselves. Unbelievable. It left a huge impression on me.

On our way to the waterfall

Whilst our fellow travelers, together with the personal from the centre in Guzang made the last preparations, I went to the laboratory to gift the equipment I was given by my former employer. After I explained how some of the equipment was to be used- I received a warm thank you and know for a fact that these articles were gratefully received.


To conclude our visit and to allow the staff to attend a meeting our guide took us first by car and then led us down a narrow path to the local waterfalls. After quite some scrambling over this untamed terrein, we arrived at this spectacular spot. Awesome!

When we returned to the Health Centre the meeting was adjourned . The women had, as per usual, provided food for a feast- which we thoroughly enjoyed. All in all another succesful day.

I will post a report on the festivities after the opening on Saturday.

Preparations well underway

Easter has come and gone. It is now time for the more serious preparations for our impending trip to get underway. The first suitcase with clothing is jam packed and almost exceeds it's maximum weight. I am also able to take with me some school supplies such as pens and pencils and of course the donated laptops. For the Health Centre in Guzang we have some supplies for their laboratory- with thanks to my ex-colleagues there.

Our contacts in Bamenda are  are anxiously awaiting our arrival. Everyone seems very excited if the emails and messages are anything to go by. The malaria pills have been acquired and the necessary injections inflicted. Roll on April the 27th.

In the group of 10 travelers are Board Members from 3 different Foundations. We will be sharing experiences, ideas and problem solving issues. It is great to have each others support as there are always unknown or unexpected hurdles to conquer. We will have an opportunity to take a peek at various projects and meet the people involved.

Whilst we aren't anticipating major problems it is a comfort to know we are all working towards the same goals and intend to enjoy our time away by combining 'work'  with pleasure.