This year, the UMVIM, SEJ Staff and
Board has come together and pledged $12,000 of funds that will be
matched, dollar for dollar, for every generous donation that is given on November 29: #GivingTuesday 2016. We believe our mission is big, and we also believe that we
can't send trained, equipped volunteers into the field to show Christian
Love in Action without the support of our community.
This year, learn more from those who have personally experienced
the impact of all UMVIM has to offer. Jane Dunn, UMVIM, SEJ Board of Directors
Medical Chair was asked to share what UMVIM means to her.
What challenges do volunteers have serving
in Panama?
Coming
from a culture with material wealth and many education opportunities, it is
often a challenge for UMVIM Volunteers to listen and learn from those living in
poor societies. One such place exists in
the jungle society of the primitive Ngabe people of Panama.
What differences do you see in teams whose
leaders have been trained by UMVIM, SEJ?
As
a trained UMVIM Team Leader that had been taught about cultural diversity and
collaboration and returning to Panama for several consecutive years to partner
with the Ngabe people, my first inclination was to decide on OUR plan for them
and only provide short-term clinic services.
We soon learned through the input of our missionary host, Rev. Rhett
Thompson, and local leaders that a partnership where Ngabe goals and needs were
identified worked best.
Share a brief story about the impact of
volunteers
A
three-part health promoter curriculum was developed to address issues of
sanitation, disease transmission and maternal/sexual health. Students volunteered or were selected by
their communities to pariticipate. Most
of the students had marginal reading skills from either zero to up to 3rd
grade level. None had successfully
completed a formal education program until they “graduated” from this 3 week
course.
Through the formation of friendships and collaboration, over 22 Ngabe students have completed the course, of which over half continue to serve in their communities. One trained health promoter who was explaining the program to visitors said, “Most people in our country just think we are dirty and ignorant, but…you (UMVIM Team) believed in us!” What a blessing for our UMVIM group to be partners in a successful program that has blossomed under the direction of our Panama brothers and sisters. God is Good…. All the Time!
On November 29: #GivingTuesday 2016, donations will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $12,000. Please give generously to Advance #901875.
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