Stories from the Field

Below are stories directly from community health workers in the mid-2000’s, many of whom are still active today! These are stories of support, community, and heartfelt service. Both stories have been translated through a few languages, so the original (to us) grammar has been retained.

The Story of Tanam, by Modestine

The story about Tanam, who lived in Ruashi of Lubumbashi in Congo. Tanam is 32 years old. She lived in a house made with bricks & Ironsheets on top. Tanam are seven members in this family.

Tanam was pregnant and when she was 7 - 8 months, she did not mind going to the hospital until one day, she gave birth to a baby at home and she had a complications, that the Placenta remained. Now in the neighborhood, the people new me as one of the Traditional Birth Attendant ( T B A ) and they called for help. When I arrived home, I just found Tanam sleeping, I tried to help since the Clinic was far away from there. I assisted her with her problem of the Placenta, and immediately advised her to go to the hospital.

Tanam’s life in the past was VERY BAD. She was in danger, but now life for her is much better. Health Ed Connect was helpful because of the trainings they have given to the Community Health Workers and Traditional birth Attendant. Tanam really appreciated to me for the assistance, and now we have created a good friendship with my family and her family.

The Story of Mambwe, by Jeanne Marie Kalaba Kiwele

In our Community, we had a sister, her name is Mambwe who had a Child by the name of Mary and she was two years old. Mambwe was living in Village Poland . They stayed in a house made with Bricks, and with Grass on top. Mambwe’s husband was not working, he lost imployment long time. The daughter for sister Mambwe was very sick, but she did not decide to take the Child to the hospital, until when a Member of the Kafwa came in to encourage her about medication. Until some time, this Woman agreed to take Mary to the hospital. When they arrived at the hospital the Doctor examined the Child and found her with Malaria and Anemia. She was admitted in the hospital for almost one week. They were given a prescription to buy the medicines, but the husband had nothing. Again the Kafwa took the Prescription to the Kafwa Group to assist the Child buy the required medicines. The Kafwa used the Group money which they are selling Underfive Cards. Later Mary was discharged from the hoispital & was recovered completely from Malaria & Anemia.

The life like in the past was too bad, both ways, the family were poor. Now from the time the Child was recovered life was better than before.

Health Ed Connect was helpful because they did not want to wait when the problem came, but Kafwa always has the heart to help people in time of need especially in our Community.

This family appreciated so much for assistance rendered to the family. The are good friends now. Life now for sister Mambwe and her daughter Mary is better.