What’s your role?
Project Manager. I plan, coordinate, and execute, all identified works for On Call Africa. This includes organising clinic supplies. And also, transferring our volunteer doctors and international staff to the airport when they arrive, and when they leave. I also get involved in the basic maintenance of project vehicles.
What’s been your biggest achievement at On Call Africa so far?
Being part of a team, and ensuring that everything the charity needs, is available. I’m proud to be part of the growth of the charity. It’s expanded from nine to 18 health posts. The staff team’s grown from three full time members to seven. Our clinics and health education have provided long-term sustainable benefits, which encourages funding from many sources. We’ve even been able to purchase a new property.
What made you decide to work for On Call Africa?
On Call Africa does great work in my country, Zambia. Notably in rural communities, where people lack so many things, especially health knowledge. I feel good being involved, along with the volunteers who’re carrying out such great work. We’re turning the community into one that’s health-aware. The charity is working out how to take the edge off health problems, once they have to be faced.
Why should someone give up their time to volunteer for On Call Africa?
Volunteers make a big change in under-privileged communities. Many Zambians have to walk long distances to get support with their health problems. But our volunteers go directly into the communities. Being involved like this is hugely satisfying, and you get to experience local village life. You exchange your skills and leave a big difference, long after you’ve left. All this, while contributing to a cause you care about.
What’s your biggest challenge for the year ahead?
Finding ways to engage with rural communities, when we aren’t allowed to do our usual work, due to Covid restrictions. No one knows when it’s going to end. These communities are in desperate need of support to improve health care, but we also need weigh this up against keeping our people and the local community safe, alongside this horrifying virus.
The medical clinics and training you provide sound incredible – tell me more!
The medical clinics we provide have really saved many lives. The communities we work in, never have enough medically trained doctors to get to everyone. Nor ambulances. When we reach these communities, we manage to treat many people with diseases like malaria, sexually transmitted infections, and many others. For cases we cannot treat immediately, or for emergencies, we use our ambulance, and evacuate them to the nearest hospital for treatment. Health education has really helped the community. People are applying some of our health guidelines and it’s reducing things like common stomach pains.
Tell me something about you that no one else knows…
I don’t like lazy people. And I hate working with people who can’t keep time. Or those who don’t share their knowledge with others.
Have you got any tips on Zambia for future volunteers?
I’m Zambian, so I get to live in this beautiful country permanently.
Volunteering is a good thing. Not only do you help vulnerable communities, you’re taking in the local culture. Tourism here is amazing – there are animals, birds and environments you will never experience anywhere else. Volunteers get discounts on some activities, because On Call Africa’s work is not-for-profit. Medical professionals get the chance to treat patients with local diseases unheard of outside Zambia, or Africa even.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Cycling, distance learning, listening to current affairs, athletics, cooking, and charting with my family. I like to keep busy.
Why should we support On Call Africa?
As a nonprofit organisation, On Call Africa needs funding to run effectively while it continues to service poor rural communities.
To meet more of our fantastic team please click here