YMCA representative, Ian Luck, sends this report on ‘our’ school in Shkodra.

Shkodra school and community bulletin

  There is a challenge facing the operation of the school: many parents are not sending their children because the need for money and/or food, via begging, outweighs the need to sit in a classroom.  Fatmir and I have discussed a possible solution: that the YMCA provides school lunches for the children.  When the YMCA has provided a 'day out' for the children, including lunch, attendance has been very high.

  This has led to increased attendance in school for the next few days until the children and parents realise there is no more food and go back to begging. In a perfect world, the 'food' component would be part of a much larger programme, tackling the issue of child abuse and behavioural issues.  This would include a school counsellor, social workers (for children and to educate the parents on the need/importance for their child to attend school) and recreational activities.

  However, this takes money and donors who have the ability to fund such a programme are not so easy to find.  Nonetheless, we will continue to make contacts and see which doors may open for the YMCA to address this important need.

  Incidentally, the lady with the sewing machine donated by Marshalswick was very happy to have received it.  She lives in a two roomed house with 15 other people, one of whom has sold her blood every two months for the last 35 years to make money - and has put it to good use making dresses for the family and local community.  We are exploring ways of developing this idea including getting the women to make clothes for sale - to the Shkodra community and for sale at international YMCA events - with revenues being returned to the Roma community.

 By Ian Luck.

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Diptipur update

  The significant meetings mentioned in the ‘Diptipur update’ published in April’s edition of Church Chat were held in Diptipur on 21st and 22nd April.

  I have received reports from three sources so I have a good idea of the proceedings.

  For those who travelled long distances to get there, you can judge the state of the roads and the type of journey experienced by one comment: “By the Grace of God, both the Bishops were able to reach Diptipur safely yesterday”.

  I shall be relying on your fervent prayers when I make that same journey to and from Diptipur in November!

  There are some positive and encouraging aspects of the situation at the Hospital.

  One is that the present staff salaries are being maintained from the income of the hospital. This shows that the patient numbers are keeping up.

  The staff have painted some portions of the main building.  Advertisements for new staff have been placed but, so far, I have not heard of any appointments being made.  The expectations for the future of the hospital seem to be highly positive in all the reports from India that I have read.

  However, there are some aspects which give me, and others with whom I have discussed the situation, cause for concern.

  Some parts of the hospital buildings are very old and are not properly maintained.  This is due, in part, to the fact that the hospital was closed for three years when the previous doctor was killed in a road accident.  To improve and maintain the property, some considerable amount of money will be needed.  

  One area in need of urgent attention is the eye ward, where the roof is leaking and the staff have to use umbrellas when walking along the ‘covered’ walkway.

  The Diptipur locality and the people of the community are poor and needy, so there is little money in the area.   Some building work that needs completion will take considerable finance.

  The vehicle that is used at present is old and unreliable.  It needs replacing.

  If two new doctors are appointed, their salaries will need to be covered for at least the first two years.  This is really just the beginning and my visit in November will be to assess the situation and the viability of involvement.

  It is not a matter of any emotional connection for me but following where I and others also believe God is leading.

  Last year, I felt overwhelmed by the task but now I feel ready to follow in God’s strength if this is where he is leading.  I do ask for your prayers as I plan my visit.

  The temperature at Diptipur at present is around 44 degrees C (about 115 degrees F). Both the air conditioning units for the operating theatres packed up on 1st May, but the operations still carried on.  The doctors were worn out and extremely dehydrated by 2pm. One doctor commented stoically that at least the monthly staff salaries had come in!

  It must be depressing to work in poorly maintained buildings.  Such a state of affairs also presents a bad image to onlookers.

  I was pleased that, when Dr Samson Das visited the hospital, he had his blood tested on the semi-auto analyser that we gave with donations in memory of my late husband, Geoffrey. Dr Das said it was excellent – but I don’t know whether he was referring to the machine or to his blood!

  If you would like to know more about any aspects of this report, I will be most pleased to talk with you.  Any interest will be of great encouragement to me.

By Aileen Hagen.