Before leaving Lagos, I was able to squeak in a visit to Ishayi beach. Some close friends, John and Maslina and I have been working on a health promotion project for the beach for some time. We wanted to help the people of Ishayi learn about certain health topics that they have been suffering from.
Thanks to John's relationship and great work with the people of Ishayi beach, our little project was possible. Maslina was a big help, as she was able to use her marketing connections and gather teaching materials and some bednets. We basically made our own teaching materials as working with certain NGO's has been challenging. We haven't had much luck obtaining any kinds of posters of materials so decided to make our own.
excerpt from John's blog:
Unforntunatley due to poor sanitary conditions, the children and families of the village suffer from many preventable illnesses. A set back to those attending school, who are often kept at home when not feeling well. Amongst many illnesses - Malaria remains a big problem.
The isolation of the community really doesn't help when it comes to the medical attention so desperately required with disease like malaria (approx 40 minute boat ride to Lagos mainland). Only a month or so ago, a father of 5 from the village died in a boat on his way to the mainland to get treatment for malaria / typhoid. His kids had to drop out of school to maintain a livelihood for the family. As treatment isn't really an option for many reasons, we decided to focus our attention on prevention. We had a few insecticide treated nets that pretty much fit a whole family and showed everyone how to use them. We briefly discussed signs and symptoms and transmission of malaria, sanitary precautions, and transmission of germs.
Unfortunately we only had a few bednets with us at the time and were able to give the teachers the nets. We are hoping to raise enough money to purchase nets for all the children at the school (70 or 80 nets) - at only $10 each this will make a huge difference.
This is the school at Ishayi beach.
Here the kids are playing football on break.
Here with Lady Salami (the head mistress), reviewing healthy sanitation precautions. We had all grades attend the lesson that day. The children are all so well behaved and attentative, although some of the really small ones fell asleep by the end of the lessons.
There are about a hundred children who attend this school (not all were present that day). Our goal is to be able to give each child a bednet by the fall.
Here we are showing how to use the net.
Here is a basic bednet that would help protect someone from mosquitos.
Two volunteers came to the front of the class to demonstrate how well they can wash their hands. They did an excellent job, and even sang the "handwashing" song.
Here Lady Salami is having the kids review how germs are transmitted.
Here are some of the students, aren't they just so cute! The lesson was only about an hour long. It was a great experience, and I am looking forward to continuing projects like this one when I return.
John, has been working on other things for the people of Ishayi. Over the past year, he has helped build a lantrine, finish build the school, helped bring clean drinking water to the people and now is bringing them into the twenty first century. John has helped bring a computer to the school, and is now teaching the teachers and children how to use it. No internet access yet, but look out!
excerpt John's blog:
As the kids had no experience with a computer, the biggest learning hurdle is trying to use a keyboard and mouse. It is natural behaviour to keep your finger pressed down on a key if you want type something (if you've never used a type writer or anything). Thus, the first few attempts on the computer ended up with lots of lines of one letter and a few crashes. I figured it was easier to give them an old keyboard that isn't connected to anything (so it can't do any damage) to test drive and get a feel for how it all works... seems to be going well.
