CHEFing Children of leprosy sufferers

The children of leprosy sufferers are often need a helping hand and Rotary club in New Zealand and individual Rotarians have helped sponsor some of these children to a better future.  The picture here is of RNZWCS Stuart Batty with Sister Agatha of the Rehabilitation home and Monica, a student sponsored by East Coast Bays Rotary.

 

When the late PP John Somerville (Milford Club 9910) and PDG Stuart Batty (9970) travelled to Tanzania in 2001, they visited Upendo Rehabilitation Home for Leprosy Sufferes at Maji ya Chai. Many of the adult residents were widows where their partner had succumbed to the disease. Many families were in residence where Mum and Dad had leprosy, sometimes one of them, sometimes both.

 

The home had been established by the Rotary Club of Arusha in the years from 1995, but there was still much to be done. The families prior to coming to Upendo had been living on the streets and on a river bank in the town of Arusha, an hours’ drive away. Upendo (which means cared for with love) had around 150 men, women and children there at the time.

 

When John and Stuart asked how Rotarians in New Zealand could help, one of the things suggested was help for the children i.e. to Clothe, House, Educate and Feed (CHEF) them and so it was decided to launch an appeal Project CHEF. Since that time many children have been supported by many New Zealand clubs and individual Rotarians. In particular, East Coast Bays have continued to support a child (now a young adult) Monica Maiko.

 

Monica was also called Happy when she was a baby for obvious reasons. Upendo management was passed over to an order of Catholic Sisters (Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood) in 2003 with continued support from Rotary.  The order specialises in the care of the sick and had their own home some distance from Upendo.

 

Each week two or three sisters would ride their bicycles on the long and dusty road to Upendo to tend to the foot and leg sores of those with Leprosy. Rotary approached the order and asked whether they would take up residence at Upendo and manage the operation which they have now done for the past twelve years.  

 

They take care of the residents and improve their living conditions. They prepare the children for formal education, educate the adults on hygiene matters and provide health care services. With Rotary, the sisters help, support and encourage the people to develop their potentials and self-esteem.  

 

Back in 1995, Leprosy was more common in the Arusha area. Upendo has been instrumental in reducing the incidence and the spread. If treated early, Leprosy can be fully cured. There has been no spread of the disease at Upendo due to the strict surveillance of all the residents.

 

Today, Upendo cares for the poorest of the poor including some families who are free of leprosy.  Monica is currently at St Ritaliza Secondary School, a boarding school close to the Kenyan Border some two hours drive from Upendo and returns to Upendo for the school holidays.

 

East Coast Bays can be very proud of the support given to Monica and in part this has set her on course for a brighter future. PDG Stuart recently returned to Tanzania and visited Monica at the school accompanied by Head Sister Agatha from Upendo.