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Malawi and Lesotho
Karen Solheim RN, PhD
The purpose of this report is to summarize International Partners for Education (IPE) US-based partners visit to Africa in August, 2009. Visitors Karen Solheim (co-president) and Jennie Petrack (treasurer) went to Malawi and Lesotho to: learn about operations first hand, learn of African partners’ and students’ perspectives, needs, and challenges, and with others, to problem-solve and plan for the future. The report is based on site visits and discussions, site records and reports, student letters, and professional resources such as United Nations websites. Following a background description to the visit as a whole, the findings from each site are presented. Common themes among sites are then identified. The report concludes with organizational plans stemming from the visit. The report was prepared with review of IPE partners involved in the visit. After board approval, this report will be available to all IPE stakeholders.
The visit took place between July 31st and August 13th, 2009. Visitors were in Lesotho from August 2nd to 5th; and in Malawi from August 5th through 12th. Visitors used their personal funds to support air travel, lodging and food costs rather than IPE funds. Partners in Africa also contributed to lodging, provided transportation and several meals. The trip was open to other interested people, thus Ms. Gwen Pinnager, Information Services Supervisor at the University Of Illinois College Of Nursing Global Health Leadership Office and Dr. Pat Humbles, Associate Professor at Methodist College of Nursing in Peoria Illinois participated in the portion of the trip in Malawi.
At each site the commitment and work of all IPE volunteers was commended. Visitors recognized the volunteer work and monetary gifts of partners in Africa. Students’ hard work in school was appreciated as an essential part of the IPE mission. Students were encouraged to aim high for a bright future. Students were informed that IPE, as funding allows, will support college tuition for qualifying students. In addition, visitors noted that IPE receives contributions from many people in the US and at times, other countries. Without their support, the IPE mission would not be possible. IPE gave a gift of 130 US dollars (USD) to each of the three partner sites to thank them for their hospitality. A modest portion of this gift was allocated to the volunteer in each site who distributes funds and collects receipts to acknowledge their time and effort. Pencils and pens were distributed to IPE students. Visitors delivered a computer and printer to the St. James/Cholinga Widows Group to facilitate their IPE work. This was supported by an early 2009 board decision supported by the IPE budget. In addition to help with lodging, food, and transportation, visitors were the recipients of much appreciation, hospitality, and gifts.
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