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Flight into Angola
It took four flights to get there: first from North America to Amsterdam, then from Amsterdam to Lagos, followed by a flight from Lagos to Windhoek, and finally, the last leg from Windhoek to Lubango.
Outing
First outing in Lubango.
Lubango, 2019
Driving through Lubango in 2019. The country has rebuilt much of infrastructure from scratch since the civil war ended in 2002.
CEML Hospital
Centro Evangélico de Medicina do Lubango, founded by Dr. Stephen Foster, in 2006.
This hospital provides essential medical care at a low cost and is training the next generation of Angolan doctors and nurses. It has also hosted many international volunteers over the years. Dr. Foster's dedication earned him the 2010 Teasedale-Corti Humanitarian Award by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada.
https://www.ceml.org/
This hospital provides essential medical care at a low cost and is training the next generation of Angolan doctors and nurses. It has also hosted many international volunteers over the years. Dr. Foster's dedication earned him the 2010 Teasedale-Corti Humanitarian Award by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada.
https://www.ceml.org/
Dr. Preciosa Bento
This Angolan-trained doctor served both as my translator and buddy during my internal medicine clinics at CEML.
In 2019 Dr Preciosa N Bento established the first cleft program CEML. This initiative was supported by Smile Train, and it marked a crucial milestone as Angola became the 38th African country to offer cleft treatment programs.
https://www.smiletrainafrica.org/en/stories/smile-hero-dr-preciosa-ntyoke-bento
In 2019 Dr Preciosa N Bento established the first cleft program CEML. This initiative was supported by Smile Train, and it marked a crucial milestone as Angola became the 38th African country to offer cleft treatment programs.
https://www.smiletrainafrica.org/en/stories/smile-hero-dr-preciosa-ntyoke-bento
Dr. Karen Henriksen
Dr Karen Henriksen has spent the majority of her professional life serving the Angolan people. She leads the Rio da Huila Medical Centre, which is a rural outreach initiative aimed at supporting the Ovamuila People Group.
They offer a wide range of essential healthcare services, including primary health care, a tuberculosis program, ophthalmology, dentistry, and a community health vaccine and nutrition program.
She also places a strong emphasis on staff training and development, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared to take over the clinic and continue providing these vital services to the community. It's a holistic and sustainable approach to healthcare.
They offer a wide range of essential healthcare services, including primary health care, a tuberculosis program, ophthalmology, dentistry, and a community health vaccine and nutrition program.
She also places a strong emphasis on staff training and development, ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared to take over the clinic and continue providing these vital services to the community. It's a holistic and sustainable approach to healthcare.
Dr. Ana Peleja
Dr Ana Peleja, an OB-GYN, and her husband, Dr. Haniel Eller, a geriatrician, are from Brazil. Early in their careers, they dedicated more than a year of their lives to serve the populations of Angola and to train future doctors.
Tourist route
Angola is a vast and diverse country with a wealth of places to explore.
Community health outreach
A free health outreach between various local and international doctors for the general public.
Palm Sunday
The long procession into church on Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday (2)
After a several-hours long service, the churchgoers are presenting their harvest as thanks.
Tundavala Gap (1)
The drive from Lubango to Tundavala.
Tundavala Gap (2)
A day-out excursion from Lubango.
Hope for Our Sisters (1)
CEML and Hope for Our Sisters have partnered together to perform fistula surgery and empower women through community building.
Fistulas often occur in women due to pregnancy complications, resulting in the distressing symptoms of leaking urine and feces. These women often live on the fringes of society as outcasts.
https://hopeforoursisters.org/
Fistulas often occur in women due to pregnancy complications, resulting in the distressing symptoms of leaking urine and feces. These women often live on the fringes of society as outcasts.
https://hopeforoursisters.org/
Hope for Our Sisters (2)
The aftercare program is incredibly impactful. It supports women who have undergone fistula surgeries by providing them with opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. This includes classes to learn how to read and write, as well as traditional crafts, offering them skills and confidence to lead more fulfilling lives. CEML's holistic approach not only treats the physical condition but also helps these women regain their dignity and independence.
https://hopeforoursisters.org/
https://hopeforoursisters.org/
Hope for Our Sisters (3)
Another crucial aspect of aftercare is ensuring that women receive proper nutrition for both them and their infants. Audrey Henderson also teaches women how to make a simple porridge using readily available local ingredients like oil, milk powder, and soja.
https://hopeforoursisters.org/
https://hopeforoursisters.org/
Pounding rain
Pounding rain on the CEML grounds, reaching 86db.
Sunshine after the rain
The mud dries up quickly outside CEML.
Female empowerment
Jusemara António, a local Angolan Youtuber shooting a mini-series for women and young adult empowerment. She is part of a proactive group of women aiming to have an impact on her people.
Jusemara
Drawing a live and online crowd through her videos.
Beignets
Making some deep fried goodness with Liudmila and Preciosa.
Live music
This jazz band was a hit! Even during the pre-show rehearsals they had gathered quite a crowd.
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