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CHARITY WORK IN GHANA
In January 2007, Private General Practice Services sponsored three people
from the practice including Dr Julia Piper, Joanne Rhodes and David Piper
to attend Ghana with the aim of setting up some charity work.
Julia and Jo with some local villagers in Ghana
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The
visit came at a time of the 50th anniversary of the independence of Ghana. The practice visited a company called Blue Skies which was
set up 10 years ago by Anthony Pile who had a great vision of building
a factory in the bush in Ghana which would provide jobs for African people. Whilst
everybody said that this could not be done, in reality, one man’s
vision is now a great success. Blue Skies works with 135 farmers
who grow fresh fruit which is purchased by the company and processed for
export. The company employees 1100 people and probably supplies provision
for 10 Africans for every one body that is employed. Many villagers
are helped.
Local school children |
During the trip, Dr Piper taught the nurses to do acupuncture, she and
Jo helped to assess the issues with regard to infection control and she
and David toured the factory to advise concerning musculoskeletal issues. The
practice will be supplying equipment for a new clinic which is being built
and Dr Piper advised about the design of the clinic. The aim
of the company is to open the clinic out to villagers and family members
of employees so that eventually this may supply 16,000 family members from
nearby Nsawan rather than just the company employees.
The main health issues in Ghana relate to infection control. People
still die young of malaria, TB and AIDS. The charity hopes to raise
money to provide better sanitation and water supply and may help fund nursing
provision for the expanded clinic. More malaria, AIDS and other infection
control issues need to be addressed.
Water from the well! |
The charity has the aim of listening to communities to hear what their
needs and requirements are. It will work closely with African Indian
Chiefs and with the Blue Skies organism which is so heavily impacted into
the Ghanaian culture. It is anticipated that the villagers will also
contribute a proportion of funds towards their needs, in order to show
motivation and to maintain their pride.
All donations should be made to the Foundation for Community Inspiration. This
is a charity which wants to see, feel, and touch the local people and apply
its aid with intelligence.
Julia and friends! |
Whilst the practice were in Ghana, the Carbon Footprint Soil Association’s
issues with regard to organic produce raised its head to threaten the livelihoods
of 75 villages in the bush. Dr Piper subsequently wrote to Prince
Charles and also to David Cameron to lobby for intelligent interpretation
of Carbon Footprint issues in order to protect jobs for African people.
HRH the Duke of Kent meets Isaac |
(body)
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