Pre-COVID, this group of girls in Biratnagar, Nepal, participated in education about menstruation, hygiene, and how to make sanitary pads. Volunteer community health workers, Yanso (right) and Sangeeta (left; also trained as a professional nurse) facilitated open and safe conversation about this topic and how to feel empowered and in control of their health and development.

In parts of Nepal, and other countries, women are forced to stay in outdoor sheds or huts during their menstruation. While many governments, including Nepal, have implemented legislation to ban the practice, the old tradition continues in many regions. This practice is not only punitive, but also dangerous, as there have been many reported cases of women who have died from snake bites or smoke inhalation while trying to keep warm outdoors.

Community health workers like Sangeeta and Yanso combat the stigma and empower women and girls with education and skills they need in development of healthy minds and bodies. 

This strong girl is clutching tightly to her family's bar of soap that is nearly her size! From the generosity of HealthEd Connect donors, funds were raised this spring to purchase soap for all of the communities where our health workers serve to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Ireen Matete, Kafwa volunteer leader for Kasompe, Zambia, recently shared this photo and an update on the soap they purchased for their community health clients, giving them one bar of soap per month to make it last. Thanks to the health workers, life-saving prevention education and resources have made it the hands of families and children.

Let's applaud two Wazaidizi volunteer health workers from D.R. of Congo who completed vaccine administration training this year! Through a leadership development grant awarded by HealthEd Connect, Rose Chola and Nathalie Lenge learned how to give immunizations to children from birth to five years and pregnant women. They are now equipped, recognized, and authorized by the government to administer vaccines. Continuing to show their deep desire to educate and encourage healthy children, mothers, and communities, Rose and Nathalie will play a vital role in protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Did you know that all three HealthEd Connect schools in Zambia contain the word PEACE? Kasompe Community School of Peace, Mapalo Young Peacemakers School, and Zamtan Community School of Peace - the three "Sister Schools" as we fondly call them. "Peace" is an important part of the philosophy and educational environment at our schools.

September 21st is recognized as International Day of Peace by the United Nations General Assembly, devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. As stated by the UN, "This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere." The 2020 theme for International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.” We are all invited to celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against discrimination or hatred. We can all shape healthy and peaceful communities.

Construction of the second community center in Malawi has begun! The foundation is ready and you can begin to see the building taking shape. Like the first community center built near Mzimba, land was donated by village chiefs in Mazembe to the Sinkhani volunteer health works for the purpose of constructing a community center. We visited here two years ago as the Sinkhani facilitated a health education program and weighing day with over 150 mothers and children in attendance outside sitting on the ground. What a difference it will make to have a solid shelter - especially during the rainy season - and a place for the Sinkhani to store supplies and facilitate programs for mothers and children. It's an exciting development for the community!

On their own initiative, COVID-19 training sessions have been organized for the Sinkhani volunteer health workers and community volunteers at three separate locations in Malawi. Gathering volunteers from nearby geographic areas, each day-long training included instruction about COVID-19 prevention by local government health workers, two nursing students (recipients of a nursing scholarship from HealthEd Connect), and the Sinkhani health workers themselves. Each volunteer was also equipped with supplies for their communities, including buckets with taps for hand washing, soap, and face masks. The Sinkhani made 1,000 masks in preparation for these trainings, using the new sewing machines provided by HealthEd Connect.

The Sinkhani often use songs to educate mothers and community members about nutrition, sanitation, family planning, etc. They created a special song which they learned at this training. The words (roughly translated) mean: "We won't have COVID-19 anymore after this year. Sinkhani health workers have taught us how we can intervene the spread of corona pandemic disease."

Social distancing in the classroom at Zamtan community school

Schools in Zambia have been in session for examination grade levels for one month now. For the three HealthEd Connect sister schools, this means grade 7 students have been practicing the new health guidelines advised by the national ministries of health and education to prevent transmission of COVID-19. This month, grades 5 and 6 will return to school and the now "veteran" grade 7 students will model all the health safety measures for their younger schoolmates.

We have been so impressed with all of the ways the teachers, community health workers, caregivers, and other community volunteers have shown leadership in action to model preparation, flexibility, safety, and collective concern for one another amid uncertain times.

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Students washing hands upon entry to school premises and wearing masks throughout the day

Special THANKS to the Kafwa community health workers for making masks for every returning student and teacher

Students receiving masks upon return to school

Volunteers and teachers in Zamtan making masks in preparation for school reopening.

Mask making is in full swing with our health worker partners and school teams in Zambia. Residents are required to wear a mask when going to public places. Students and teachers returning to school on June 1st (starting with examination grades 7, 9, and 12) must wear masks and follow new health guidelines. A "new normal," as stated by the ministry of education. Everyone is working together to ensure the health and safety of the children and community.

Ireen from Kasompe making masks for the returning students using the NEW sewing machines recently purchased for the new tailoring program for the school and Kafwa. These sewing machines could not have come at a better time! 

Jane in Luapula trying on one of the masks she made for her home health clients. She also thoughtfully shared, "I wish I could send some for you!"