Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative (ROM) was pleased to host students from Drake University, a United States of America based university. The thirteen-member team led by Professor Debra Bishop were on a study visit at ROM. They visited our clinic and were very impressed with the way we handle our clients at the triage, pharmacy, laboratory and the prevention section. ROM’s holistic model of care that impacts on the body, mind, family and community at large left them speechless.
The team also visited three of Village Savings and Loans Association groups started by ROM, beneficiaries; Praise God, Victory and 22 Stars Women’s Group, all in Nakawa Division. At their display, 22 Stars women showcased different handcrafts including beaded bracelets, laptop bags, wallets and many others. Their chairperson, Ms. Laker Susan warmly welcomed the visitors and thanked ROM for all the support given to the group. She prayed that the organization lives even longer to make a difference in many other people’s lives.
Here, one of the members testified how important joining the group has been in transforming her life and that of her loved ones. “I was living a very miserable life. My friend told me about this group but I was reluctant at first. Later, I decided to give it a try, but since then, my life has never been the same. I can now pay school fees for my children, look after my family and I have bought some animals in the village. She explained.
During the visit, guests bought a number of items from the display to support the groups. They acknowledged that ROM’s Community-based approach to improving the lives of people infected and affected by HIV will be a lifelong memory in their lives.
ROM provides practical skills training in Entrepreneurship, financial literacy and technical assistance to ROM beneficiaries’ VSLA groups. Startup capital for those with clear business ideas is provided on competitive advantage. Majority of the beneficiaries are involved in handcrafts, vegetable growing and soap making among others, so as to sustain themselves and members in their households.
By Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative
