“A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children…” Proverbs 13:22 

The exemplary medical care provided at BethanyKids would diminish and die if the visionary baton was not passed down to new generations of leadership. For this reason, we are committed to training medical professionals, not only for the physical care of the disabled, but also in showing the love of Christ to every child and family.

Dan Poenaru with the first two pediatric surgery trainees: Heuric Rakotomalala from Madagascar (left) and Frehun Ayele from Ethiopia (right)

BethanyKids focuses on health provider training in the care of children with surgical conditions and disabilities. Our nurses are all encouraged to take a series of modules in pediatric surgery and rehabilitation, prepared in-house and easily applicable to the day-to-day care at BethanyKids. Since 2004 BethanyKids has partnered with the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) to provide a 3-month rotation in pediatric surgery for general surgeons in training from all across Africa.

Dr. Mike Matlak operating with Frehun

In 2007 BethanyKids became the first site in East Africa for training pediatric surgeons accredited by the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). This training program is also PAACS’ first specialty training program, and this ensures that the professional training is coupled with spiritual discipleship. Since its inception four surgeons have started or completed the fellowship, each from another African country! Our vision is to see these men and women return to their countries after their training, starting new BethanyKids centers in the country, and becoming agents of change and godly leaders in their communities.

Tanzanian nurses training at BKKH

We hope these surgeons will continue to pass the baton down the line, providing more care, more smiling faces, and more hope for families.

PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS

It is heartbreaking to meet a 32-year old mother with a cleft lip. Or a 24-year old man with uncorrected clubfeet. Sadder still is hearing about children who are thrown away because they have disabilities. But we meet these people and hear these stories far too often.

Willis Obunga addressing a crowd in Majengo about disabilities

BethanyKids has embarked on a slow but effective process of sensitizing and educating the public about disabilities. Through the mass media (particularly vernacular radio stations), we have been able to reach many who have little or no education and provide information to them in their own languages about children with disabilities.

Recently the BethanyKids’ media department started organizing awareness trips to some unreached parts of the country. Local churches have invited us to show videos on some of the disabilities that can be prevented or corrected surgically. Usually there is a medical team providing free treatment and consultation during the awareness campaign. Parents and caregivers ask many questions, especially about folic acid and its role in the prevention of various disabilities.

Educating a group about disabilities

Since the awareness trips and radio broadcasts began we have received numerous phone calls seeking more information or asking for direction.

Our desire is to reach every corner of the country and let people know that disability is not inability. We want to reduce suffering, portray the love of Christ and encourage local communities to take more responsibility in the care of people with disabilities. We pray our efforts will reduce the number of children born with birth defects by increasing the number of pregnant women who take folic acid. Most important of all, to bring healing and hope to children with disabilities in Africa.