|
|
As the first year of the Funes administration closes, it is time to write my annual letter to you, her dear family, friends and supporters of the clinic. There is much to be proud of: a meeting in Uruguay in February where Dr. Dagoberto Menjivar shared the Guarjila experience of primary healthcare; nurses Marlene Cruz and Angélica Serrano both traveled to Bielefeld, Germany (another sister community) to get training in gender issues related to their work (and their daughters began university studies!); and Marlene and Dago participated in a workshop on HIV-AIDS in Managua, Nicaragua. Today marks two events: the Clinic Team is meeting with the national Ministry of Health and the social movements focusing on healthcare for the country, and they begin a campaign of hernia operations. Dra. Delmy (Dagoberto’s spouse) is on the National Ministry of Health Team. She was one of the young health promoters Ann trained and encouraged to pursue medical studies. She and many health workers in Chalatenango trace their interest in medicine to Ann. Currently, Guarjila is receiving government assistance with pharmaceuticals, so the Team can focus their resources on the medical professionals and program development. This is a huge help but they still count on our continuing support. The social and economic situation of the community and region is impacted by the global economic crisis, though hopes are high that they can create a sustainable life. The community continues to struggle against the major highway planned to cut through the town as part of a US sponsored Millennium Challenge Corporation project. The major sources of income continue to come from local funds and foreign partners. In 2009, the total income was $96,520.89. Total expenses in 2009 were $92,114.60, leaving a surplus of $4.406.29 with which they began 2010. Income and expenses were down a little this year. See www.ifcla.net for a complete report on the clinic in 2009. This March we were able to bring a check for $7,000 for the Clinic through your help and generous contributions from friends of Ann’s brother Frank who passed away at the end of last year. Dago writes, “De mi parte agradezco de corazón el apoyo de ustedes y su compromiso permanente con esta comunidad. Dele las gracias a todas las personas que hacen posible toda su ayuda y dígales que hacemos un equipo juntos en el mejoramiento de las condiciones de vida de las personas de Guarjila.” (For my part, heart-felt thanks for your support and your permanent commitment to this community. Tell all the people who make this support possible that together we are a team bettering the life conditions of the people of Guarjila)
Hopefully you will be able to continue to give to match Ann’s birth anniversary. Please help us keep the Clinic alive and well in Guarjila. If you know of someone who might be interested in the clinic, please share this letter.
2009 Clinic Letter (PDF) 2008 Clinic Letter (PDF) 2008 Annual Report translation (PDF) 2007 Semi-Annual Report (PDF)
|
||||||||||||
