KCL Project Zimbabwe

Project Zimbabwe Summer in Harare and Bulawayo '2011

2012-01-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

So as a very late first post for the year PZ 2011-12 I thought it would be nice to hear from last years PZ members that went to Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe about what they were up to in Zimbabwe in the summer of 2011! Here goes:

What were the aims That Medyouth wanted to achieve in Summer 11'?

Medyouth were focusing on 4 major aims:

to form a committee of dedicated students to mirror the UK committee
Outreach: organise an outreach programme (medyouth life skills programme) both in Bulawayo (with doctors/dentists) and at UZ (with healthcare students) in collaboration with Childline/Say What
Resources: Provide support to the Bulawayo Hospital Library Project set up by the junior doctors sending texbooks to a library being set up in mpilo hospital; and help with clinical resources at UZ
Newsletter: Set up a quarterly newsletter with a collaborative effort from UK students, Bulawayo healthcare professionals and UZ healthcare students about interesting medical cases, news, etc
-Partnership: establish a long-term partnership between students in the UK and healthcare students/professionals in Zimbabwe

Were these aims executed?

“We managed to meet most of the aims however it’ an ongoing process that’s still being established. We have formed a committee involving 3rd and 4th year students.”

Gamu Mawoyo (President of the PZ comittee)

“Our main success was finding groups to get involved! We were able to encourage students and professionals both in Bulawayo and Harare to undertake tasks. Within both groups we elected persons to lead each of the projects; both students and professionals showed genuine interest in getting projects up and running, and were keen to get things moving as quickly as possible.”

Roxanne Annoh

Were there any hindrances?

“Our main hindrances were communication. We were a totally new group, none of the UK members from last year were present so it was a bit confusing meeting members in zim from last year, discovering who was who and what they’re role was in medyouth. But it was fun meeting new students and how they find medical school in Zimbabwe and comparing our experiences. Discovered that the system was very similar to ours but it was an injustice that they didn’t have the same access to educational resources as we have.”

Gamu

“It was difficult at first to get good contacts and meet people. We also had to stress the importance of commitment and how it is essential for success and completion of projects.

Another hindrance was money; as we had a very limited budget, there was not much we could do in terms of bringing resources with us.”

Roxanne

How did you find zimbabwe- the country, the people, the food and the culture?

“I loved it all! I loved travelling in between Harare and bulawayo and our trip to Vic falls was nice.”

Gamu

“It's an absolutely beautiful country that is unfortunately not seen in its "true" light by reports in the media. I would definately encourage people to go and visit the country; the people are lovely and there is a lot to see and do. The one thing I was disappointed about was the lack of variety of Zimbabwean dishes! Also, it is quite expensive due to inflation”

Roxanne

“Loved the people, they were friendly, upbeat, caring and so willing to show us around and invited us warmly into their culture. The city of Harare is small but busy all the time, the public transport was cheap and effective (at most times!) and the shops had everything we needed, even though the coffee was so expensive!”

Victoria Bakare (Fundraising Officer)

What was the highlight of the trip?

“The highlight of the trip was vic falls. However in terms of Medyouth work it was all fun, i loved how chillaxed everybody was, the whole rush factor was taken out of it and alongside work we could enjoy the sun”

Gamu

“My favourite parts would be Victoria Falls and Mtare (Eastern region)- absolutely stunning!”

Roxanne

“The highlight of the trip was the roadtrip we took with some friends we made from the church we joined in Zimbabwe. We took a roadtrip from Harare to Mutare in the Eastern Highlands and it was amazing. We spent two nights in Osborne Dam and had a very interesting journey getting up there which consisted of jumping into the truck of a stranger because our car was too low to carry all of us and stopping in the pitch to help a burning house full of bags of maize!”

Victoria

Would you go back again?

YES!!

A Conversation with Kate Adams ( a ZHTS Trustee)

2010-04-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

What do you do professionally?

I am a GP in Hackney. I also work at the Royal London A and E and for the Out of Hours service in Tower Hamlets. I do some consultancy work for the BMJ. I am a Council member for the Royal College of GPs and sit on the BMA’s Ethics Committee.

What has been your involvement with NUST?

Through ZHTS I have supported NUST with its ongoing development of the medical curriculum and assessment. I have also been a visiting lecturer.

What were your main highlights during your time at NUST?

I really enjoyed the sessions teaching the students and hearing about their experiences. They are very hard working and committed people.

How did you involved with ZHTS?

For a number of years I was deputy Chair of the BMA’s International Committee and was very interested to explore ways in which the BMA could support Diaspora doctors who want to support health care systems back in their own countries. I had previously visited Zimbabwe and was very concerned about the deterioration of the health system.

What do you see in the future of ZHTS?

ZHTS will need to expand its membership and try and attract more health professionals from the Zimbawean diaspora for its continued success. The link with Kings IDU is exciting because of the track record that Kings has working with its Somali land link

How do you view the relationship between Project Zimbabwe and ZHTS?

I really value the link we have with Project Zimbabwe. I have been very impressed with the enery and enthusiasm of the Project Zimbabwe students. There are some really great projects particularly the teaching of sex education in Zimbawean schools and the medical student buddying system. I hope that those involved with Project Zimbabwe will consider joining ZHTS when they graduate.

What are your hobbies? I really enjoy the arts and culture scene in London. I also sing with the City of London Chamber Choir.

A Conversation with Jen

2010-04-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

This week, I had the opportunity to speak to Jennifer Clifford-Garner, the former President of Project Zimbabwe:

What made you decide to run for President of Project Zimbabwe?
--> I had been involved with PZ since its inception, working with the
founding president, Kirsten Scott, to build and expand the project. I had
invested a lot of time and energy in to the general running of PZ and also
played an active role in fundraising events. I guess I could see the big
potential PZ had and I wanted to put into place all my ideas and
aspirations. I had also not undertaken such a role before and relished the
challenge on a personal level.

What were your main goals during your Presidency?

--> My goals for PZ including refining the charity with a specific number
of well run umbrella projects with good branding, advertising and possible
sponsorship for each. I wanted to raise the profile of PZ within the
college to bring new talents to the group and develop new project ideas. I
also wanted to increase the amount of funding available to PZ so that all
our ideas could be realised.

What were the challenges you faced?

--> Challenges of running PZ included arranging successful fundraising
events and keeping on top of administrative tasks whilst in my final year of
medical school. Our hugely successful book project also involved an
enormous amount of time and manual labour. Gaining interest and support from
fellow students and interested parties, I am happy to say, was never a
challenge.

What was the highlight of your Presidency?

--> After some long periods of hard work, I was thrilled to receive a
letter from the King's Fund, stating our funding application to be a
success. I also thoroughly enjoyed all of our African Music nights - seeing
the coming together of a range of people, all enjoying the entertainment,
knowing that 100% of the outcomes would be for the benefit of PZ projects. I
was also very proud to pass on the role of presidency to the new brilliant
presidents, safe in the knowledge that all the hard work gone before
wouldn't be in vane.

What are you up to now?

--> On top of working as a foundation trainee doctor at Whipps Cross
Hospital, I am also the part-time administrator for ZHTS, PZ's parent
charity. My role for ZHTS includes running the website, maintaining the
membership database, creating all graphics and many general administrative
duties.

A conversation with Womba

2010-03-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Womba you played at the Project Zim Open Mic Night Last year, what have you been up to since then?

I have performed at various open mic nights all around london including the Cavendish Arms and The World's End. I recently secured a management contract with Iconic Artist Management who have been supportive in helping me further my music career.
http://www.iconicartistmanagement.com/
Aside from that, I am one of the regional finalists for the competition called 'Live and Unsigned' for original artists around the country which is a great honour.

What was the highlight of performing at last year's open mic night?

The biggest highlight of performing last year was knowing that all the money was going to a great cause. It made everything so worth while. And I thought all the other performances were fantastic. I had a great time.

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Zambia which is in the Southern part of Africa.

What would you say has been the main influence on your singing and songwriting style?

I would like to think that I have a unique style of singing and songwriting. I listen to all types of music. When I was younger I listened to a lot of Christian music that my father had. As I grew older I would say I started listening to a lot more Soul, RnB and Soft Rock. Artists I like include Norah Jones, Beyonce, Tracy Chapman, Eva Cassidy, Adele, Amy Winehouse. Quite a range of styles as you can see. I am also liking Lady Gaga at the moment.

What's on your Ipod at the moment?

This is embarassing to say but I don't own an ipod anymore. However, I have a huuuge collection of CDs, I am very old fashioned like that. I like to go out and buy CDs and listen to them on my radio at home. I have a range of musicians in my collection but really liking Gaga as mentioned earlier. I have also started listening to Eva Cassidy again and Tina Turner. Beyonce's I AM album is exceptional too.

What are the main challenges of being an upcoming singer/songwriter?

I would say my main challenge is getting people to listen to my songs. As an unknown artist it is a constant struggle to find people that will support your music without a record label behind you.

Here's a clip of Womba:

Project Zim Open Mic Night!

2010-03-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

Conversatons with Fungai

2010-02-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

This week, we're talking to Fungai from Fungai Neni:

What does Fungai Neni mean?

'Think with me' as well as 'Fungai and I' - in essence, I am asking that people be actively engaged in the content that I produce.

What do you do professionally?

I work in media and communications for the South African National AIDS Council.

What inspired you to start your blog?

It was long overdue - I had been talking about it for over a year and had just never found the time for it. So I just decided one afternoon to get it done and that's how it all began.

What's the aim of your blog?

To stimulate thought and discussion around contemporary issues, as seen through my eyes.

What advice would you give to other bloggers?

Keep it at - sometimes it goes good and sometimes it goes bad. But if it's your passion, please pesevere! Look for opportunities to grow always.

When you're writing do you think about your audience or do you prefer to just write?

I just write - whatever comes, comes. My blog is honest, although I sometimes think about what my audience might think about what I say...

Other than blogging do you have any other hobbies?

Of course! reading, music, travelling, writing other things like poetry and short stories, researching issues,etc.

How did you get involved with Medyouth?

Through my good friend, Rachel Adams, who invited me to one of their peer education courses in Bulawayo.

An interview with Kirsten Scott

2010-02-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

What made you decide to start Project Zimbabwe?

I had just been involved in starting ZHTS (Zimbabwe Health Training Support) and felt that it would be great to get students involved directly through a student-run project. I know that King's students had lots of energy and that the project could be a brilliant success.

What were the initial challenges to starting such a group?

At the beginning, although there was a lot of interest it was difficult to find a group of committed people to take things forward. I really wanted people to help shape the aims and the projects rather than just dictating things so it took a while before the project got going properly.

What was the highlight of your time as President?

While I was in Zimbabwe before the start of the first Medyouth program all of the NUST students got together and thanked me for everything I'd done. Having spent so many hours writing emails, speaking to people, raising money and organising tons and tons of books it was great to find out that it had all made a tiny difference. It was also really inspiring to see that PZ was taken over by people with so many ideas - the second highlight of my "presidency" was at the AGM when I stood down and I realised that the project wouldn't fall apart... that it would, in fact, go on to greater things.

What were the main challenges you were faced with during your presidency?

Communicating via email with Zimbabwe! I hope that this will also improve with time.

What are you up to now?

I am now working as a foundation year 1 doctor at King's College Hospital and am still a ZHTS trustee. I am trying to increase links between junior doctors in the UK and Zimbabwe at the moment and will be going on a King's visit in April 2009.

District 9

2010-01-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

During the holidays I watched district 9 and was myself and others slightly confused. Some thought it was about xenophobia? But it was actually based on the events that occurred in the 1970's at District 6 in South Africa . The film was overall very good but it had a significant weaknesses. Why were the 'Nigerians' in the film speaking Nyanja?

Dambisa Moyo 'Dead Aid'

2010-01-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

During the summer, I read the controversial, 'Dead Aid' by the Zambian economist, Dambisa Moyo and was incredibly excited and refreshed to hear about solutions for Africa from a female African economist.

With four degrees under her belt, and heavy weight work experience, she spent some time at the World Bank as well as Goldman Sachs, Dambisa Moyo makes an aggressive attack on the aid model. It is important to note that in her book Dambisa is talking specifically about bilateral aid and is not referring to humanitarian aid or charitable aid, though she does remind the reader that we should remain aware of what charity can do and what it cannot do.

She does indeed make some compelling arguments:

Why is that over a billion dollars worth of aid has gone to Africa in the last 60 years but the continent is now poorer.
Aid cripples the private sector, as well as the free market. Aid is a '...band aid solution..' that is only useful in the short term. Africans should not rely on foreign governments for the provision of public goods.
There are other ways of raising money including trade with emerging economies like China and India as well as accessing the capital markets.

Whilst her book is a bit heavy, in that it tends to overload you with facts and some of her assertions are rather spurious, it's a good read. I would give it an overall 3/5 on the basis that some of her assertions are inaccurate. However, I am very impressed that she has ignited a conversation that is spoken of way to little and has highlighted how complicated the aid system is.

I am looking forward to her next book; 'How the West Was Lost' coming out this year.

Jeffrey Sachs, 'The End of Poverty'

2010-01-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

Happy new year from the PZ team. We're starting of the New Year with a book review by Alix Fonfe:

Overall Rating: 3/5

As Sachs has spent many years working for the World Bank and the forward of his latest book was by Bono, I was very sceptical of this book. However, I found the first half of this book interesting. It described the history of global economics, why countries have developed at different rates and there were case studies of economic reforms in India, China, Poland and Hungary. Although the case studies were economically interesting and very readable, I felt the name dropping and Sachs ego got a little tiring after a while.

The concept I liked most in this book was how Sachs used a ‘clinical diagnosis’ of economic difficulties that countries faced which took into account geography, politics and health. This also highlighted the importance of individual countries developing their own policies for development, and not having a one size fits all policy forced upon them from the World Bank or IMF. I think this is a conclusion that most people who work within the World Bank soon realise, but often too late.

I was less impressed with the second half of the book which aimed to describe how to end poverty. The answer was to increase funding from developing countries, written in detail for too many pages. Although this may be beneficial, I expected more innovation and creativity by a World Renowned Economic Professor. After finishing the book, I felt he had wasted his time writing the second half. This perhaps demonstrates that there are no quick fixes to problems as complex as poverty but surely one of the most influential people in the world could have come up with a better idea than simply giving more money?

Overall Rating 4/5

I read this book after attending a book launch by the author. He made a lively and interesting presentation and I was looking forward to reading his book. I was not disappointed. The nature of this book is clearly in the title. It is an inspiring book, with examples of where active citizens and effective states have positive outcomes in laws, human rights, development and poverty. It was well researched by Duncan Green, who is a researcher for Oxfam, and had more tangible and practical ideas from Southern countries compared to Jeffery Sachs book. I really liked the examples of active citizens scattered in the book, and it surprised and pleased me how a group of people, who are uneducated, poor and often discriminated against, can get together and really change things. To me this really demonstrated empowerment. I recommend this book to students who are interested in development in the wider context of social and environmental injustices faced by people in poverty.

2009-12-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

Tell us about yourself?
I am a final year medical student at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe. I was instrumental in the conception of Medyouth our medical school through my communication with Kirsten Scott who was a medical student then. With fellow colleagues from NUST and King's we then devised the Buddy Project in which students would pair up and communicate via email, share electronic resource and ideas. With continued expansion and growth of this project we started to gain recognition on campus and generated support of the university and community de to our community programmes.

What were your aims this year?

-To strengthen lifeskills programmes at schools which we visited the previous year

-To get more medical and non medical students involved

-To get a new committee for Medyouth NUST

-To come up with a strategic plan for the group

-To have combined training and sessions in schools.

What were the main highlights this year?

-It was most satisfying to see our hard work pay off when did successful training on Campus with resounding support from partner organisations like Community Working Group on Health (CWGH)

-The heart warming welcome from all the schools we visited and the eagerness of the student to learn and amazing feedback we got. As our report shows, most students gave comments like "please come back again" or "we need more time". We got the impression that we were giving a necceassary service to the coomunity.

- At a personal level i learnt to communicate with different people from virtually all works of life something medical school does not really teach. Given the diversity of the our organisations and school as well as colleagues, it was amazing how people with common purpose, ideals and aims use diversity as a strength.

- Perhaps one of the greatest higlights was being told by one student after trainig "Thanks for changing my life"

What are the challenges you're facing?

We need to increase membership: still low medical student uptake of the programme.We need to fundraise to overcome financial constraints.

We need to strengthen the Buddy project which is to at its best.

We need to formulate a new committe for Medyouth Zim

Medyouth with Andrew

2009-12-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

What are you studying???

Medicine, in my 3^rd year at the moment and enjoying every second of it.

Why get involved with med youth?

Medyouth is a collaborative venture of medical students in the UK and Zimbabwe and is such a unique program i am privileged to be part of. We engage in a variety if activities which include sexual health education, exchange of ideas in medical school teaching and fund

Highlight of your Year

By far the highlight of the year would be the trip to meet our counterparts in Bulawayo. Its was such a great opportunity to fullfill our agenda and strengthen our relationship. I learnt a lot in the teaching sessions we had. The role plays were amazing and it was great to have other organisations involved. Cannot wait to go back and see the progress we are making and catch up with our peers!!!

Medsin Sans Frontiers Film on Aids and Women in Zimbabwe

2009-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Medsin Sans Frontiers is showing a film on the Zimbabwean 'Positive Ladies Club' . These Zimbabwean Women are using soccer to tackle the stigma associated with being HIV-positive

Do come and watch the film and meet some members of the team!
Place: Kings College London
New Hunts House
Guys Campus
Time: 1730
Date: 2/12/09

Medyouth with Rae

2009-11-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

What is Medyouth Medyouth is a collaborative project designed and managed by students in the UK and Zimbabwe, which delivers “life skills” peer education training to students and community workers in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Collaboration: “Medyouth” is run by sister committees at KCL (London) and NUST (Bulawayo). The committees have been working together since 2007.
Life skills + Peer education: Life skills are skills of negotiation, communication and self-awareness that help young people make informed decisions as they enter the world of adult responsibilities and relationships. Peer education methods create a safe and respectful environment where worries and problems can be balanced by information provision and facilitated discussion
Training: Medyouth training in 08 + 09 was delivered by Zimbabwean organisations Community Working Group on Health and Childline Zimbabwe. Trainees were from UK and Zimbabwe and the group consisted of medical, physiotherapy, journalism and other students, community workers and peer educators. Successful Medyouth trainees have taught in local secondary schools, covering topics such as puberty and body awareness, relationships and children’s rights. The project has trained over 50 trainees and taught over 1000 young people.

What is your role in Medyouth I’ve been Medyouth coordinator since 2008, which included coordinating the pilot project (2008), conducting a full evaluation and ensuring improvements were put into place in 2009. I’m now also co-president of Project Zimbabwe, but with special focus on Medyouth; I’m hoping to find a new Medyouth coordinator this year, and I’m looking forward to showing them the the ropes!

What made you decide to get involved? Since coming to uni I’ve been involved with the UK student group ‘Sexpression’, a brilliant organisation that teaches medical students to be effective peer educators in sexual health and relationships education (SRE). Sexpression KCL volunteers are well respected by teachers and schools in south London, and with them I’ve seen first-hand the effect when a myth or rumour about sexual relationships/puberty is dispelled in class- being able to safely discuss things that are a source of worry and confusion allows young people to feel confident in their decision-making.

As a member of Project Zimbabwe for 3 years, I got to know my buddy in Bulawayo, Linos, really well. We chatted about Sexpression and his work on HIV prevention in Zimbabwe, and felt we could learn from each other’s community work. Espcially we felt that medical students in both our institutions would benefit from the communication and negotiation skills learned during a peer educator training programme. Meanwhile, a few other ‘buddies’ from the PZ programme were sharing similar ideas, and as a group we decided to work together on a programme at Linos’ university - “Medyouth” was born!

Highlight of this yearBeing asked for advice by other student groups in Bulawayo who are setting up similar groups!! This was really encouraging, as it shows Medyouth’s strong foundations - our training programme is well known and respected, and the work taps into a real enthusiasm for community work and volunteering in the local university population. Also I’m really excited about the tentative plans to work more closely with Childline Zimbabwe- we’re hoping to learn a lot from their excellent counsellors.

Challenges over the year The biggest challenge over this year is to sustain ongoing communication with our organising committee in Bulawayo, their university, our partner organisations, schools and trainees (and the list is happily growing!). We know how much enthusiasm there is for the project, but with bad internet connections and hectic schedules of the (mostly medical student) committee, things can be a bit tough. Regular communication and sharing of ideas is vital for the collaborative nature of our project, so are working to overcome the barriers (for example by circulating hard copies of the blog as a quarterly newsletter!).

African Rhythms Night!

2009-10-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

We're having our first social event next week! Please come along, bring your friends (and their friends), enjoy some African music, taster drumming lessons and get to socialise with the PZ team !

When is it happening? Thursday 15 October 1930
Where is it happening? The Roebuck- Great Dover Street, SE1 4YG
How much does it cost? £6/£5 NUS

Here's a clip of what we'll be showing:

Hope to see you there!

Project Zim this year!

2009-10-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

We have big plans for Project Zim this year.

As many of you may already know, Project Zimbabwe is a collaborative project with students from NUST University in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. Whilst Project Zimbabwe's primary goal is to support healthcare students in Zimbabwe it is not only for medical students, I myself am not even a medical student and doubt I will ever be one, hospitals actually make me very uncomfortable and I can hardly stomach an episode of Grey's Anatomy.

We're keen to get students from a wide range of backgrounds involved. This is because health-care is a topic that affects all of us. Whether you're dreaming of being the next Barack Obama and championing your own health-care reform, are a budding entrepreneur (healthy workforce= high output), are hoping to be the next Ally Mcbeal (a good legal system is closely related to an efficient health care system), dreaming of being the next big thing on the X-factor (we don't take ourselves to seriously and have cultural evenings that showcase Zimbabwean and African music, poetry and flims), you're welcome to get involved.

One of the projects we've been running in previous years is the Buddy project which involved Kings students and NUST students sending e-mails and sharing their experiences. This method of communication has proven to be difficult for both the Kings and NUST students involved.

So this year we've decided that we're going to use the Blog as our main vehicle of communication. We're going to be posting interviews of both Kings and NUST students both medical and non-medical, we'll be finding out their passions, what drives them, as well as talking about more light hearted topics like they're favourite music and so forth.

We also want to hear from you, this blog is going to be a forum for Zimbabwean and non-Zimbabwean students to share ideas or explore how their passions are relate to healthcare. So please do get in touch with us if you'd want to post something on the blog, or find out more about what we do.

I must just state from the outset that this is a strictly no-politics zone.

Until next time, have a great week.

PZ

And the Medyouth Project is up and running!

2009-08-30T02:44:00.000-07:00

Even though the Medyouth Project this year got to a slow start (most members are also revising for the final year exams), I am glad to say that the project is now up and running and has both medical and non-medical students involved.

For those of you who don't know what this project i'm talking about actually is. Let me explain:
Medyouth is a a group of students from both the UK and Zim who go into schools in Bulawayo and teach a sexual education programme. The focus of the project this year is on peer education and counselling methods, focusing on puberty issues, entering into and negotiating the adult world.

PS thank-you all so much for you donations!I'm sure this will make Rae's bungee jump much easier. If any of you would prefer to write a cheque you can make it payable to Project Zimbabwe and post it to Project Zimbabwe,Kings College London, Guy's Campus, 19 Newcomen Street, London SE1 1 UL

Rachel's Jumping into the Victoria Falls (for Project Zim of course)

2009-08-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know Rachel Adams (co-president of Project Zim) is currently in Zimbabwe coordinating the Medyouth, sexual health education project. In an attempt to raise funds for Project Zimbabwe, she has bravely decided that she is going to jump into the Victoria falls, well she's not literally jumping but is bungee jumping into the Victoria Falls (which i'm assuming is less scary).

Any donation would be greatly appreciated, but a suggested donation of £5 would go a very long way. Donations can be made using our pay pal link.

Project Zimbabwe's New Committee!!

2009-05-01T02:14:00.000-07:00

Co-President - Ropa Sibusiso Chidawu

Co-President - Rachel Adams

Secretary - Alex Fonfe

Treasurer - Rowan Ambrose

Publicity Officer - Reshma Shah

Fundraising Officer - TBC
Buddy Project Coordinator - Roma Dewan

Electrinic Resources Coordinator - Samirah Toure

MedYouth Coordinator - TBC
General Officers - Sonia Abid, Ali Al Jumaily, Lisa Wallberg

Project Zimbabwe Alumni

2009-05-01T02:11:00.000-07:00

Two of Project Zimbabwe's former presidents will be graduating from medical school this summer. Kirstent Scott will be working at King's College Hospital London where she will continue her invaluable work with the KZZ link and Jennifer Gifford-Garner will be at Whipps Cross Hospital. Jennifer hopes to take an active role in the teaching materials project and will continue to support ZHTS as a qualified trustee.

Project Zimbabwe Alumni

Kirsten Scott - President 2007/8
Jennifer Gifford-Garner - President 2008/9

PZ AGM!

2009-04-13T12:59:00.001-07:00

A new way to donate to PZ!!

2009-04-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Every time you shop online you could be donating to Project Zimbabwe! Click on our icon on the right to take you to the easyfundraising web site and start shopping. Practically every shop you can think of is available, from Amazon and Tesco to M&S and Argos.

Please take a look and remember us every time you order online!!

Zimbabwean Student Coming to London!!

2009-04-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

Linos Sibanda, a medical student from Bulawayo, will be coming to London for a 10 week elective placement this summer! He will be spending 6 weeks at King's College Hospital and 4 weeks at Northwick Park Hospital.

We wish to thank the Canon Collins Trust for their generous support and invite contact with any other interested parties who would be willing to support future students.

Raising Awareness of our Buddy Project

2009-03-31T08:33:00.001-07:00

King's College Alumni Promotion

2009-03-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

The Alumni of King's College will soon have access to information about Project Zimbabwe and the ability to make dontations. A link to the PZ blog will be posted on the Alumni web site in the near future.
https://alumni.kcl.ac.uk/SSLPage.aspx?pid=444

MedYouth Money!

2009-03-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

For those KCL students who have shown an interest in travelling to Zimbabwe this summer with Rachel & MedYouth, the travel awards deadline is the 3rd April!

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/about/structure/admin/acareg/stureg/travel/

PZ Books Donated to Read International

2009-03-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

We have found a brilliant new home for all the surplus books that we are unable to send to Zimbabwe; Read International! Over 30 boxes of our books were moved to the Read International storage unit last weekend and will be sorted and eventually sent to Tanzania this summer.

King's ISN

2009-03-22T09:13:00.001-07:00

Project Zimbabwe is happy to be part of the King's International Student Network!

kingsisn@gmail.com

http://en-gb.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2203370252

ZHTS AGM 2009 Agenda

2009-03-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

AGM!

2009-03-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Annual General Meeting

2009-03-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Project Zimbabwe AGM Details

30th April 2009

New Hunts House Classroom G.4

Guy's Campus

6pm

Committee Positions Available

President

Secretary

Treasurer

Fundraising Officer

Publicity Officer

Medyouth coordinator

Buddy Project coordinator

Resources Project coordinator

3x General Officers

Books Project Update

2009-03-06T02:55:00.000-08:00

The books project is reducing in capacity. Unfortunately, we have had to reduce the number of boxes we are able to send via our generous shipping contact. We are therefore putting the books project on hold whilst we make arrangements for the surplus. We will be focussing our attentions on electronic resources that can easily be copied and distibuted to as many medical students in Zimbabwe as possible.
We want to thank each and every person who has donated a book to Project Zimbabwe and we hope you will to support us!

Movie Night!!

2009-02-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

Project Zimbabwe will be hosting a Movie Night showing the feature length Zimbabwean movie "Neria" by Tsitsi Dangarembga.

Where; Function Room, The Miller of Mansfield, 96 Snowsfield Road SE1 3SS
When; 17th March 2009, 6.30pm for 7.30 film start

Hope to see you there!

Movie Night!!

2009-02-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Project Zimbabwe Discusssion Forum Launched!

2009-02-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

A discussion forum is now available (link on the right) for medical students and healthcare professionals in the UK and Zimbabwe. We hope it will generate some great discussions and ideas and help strengthen the new KZZ link (more info to follow). Please take a look, sign up for an account and get talking to your colleagues!

Unite ZimNite Update

2009-01-25T09:01:00.000-08:00

UNITE ZIMNITE SUCCESS!!

Thank you to everyone who attended our fundraiser this Saturday. It was a great success and really good fun. A big thank you to all the acts who performed on the night - everyone showed how talented they were and the audience loved them all.

We managed to raise £573.80 after expenses which is a massive total and a huge help towards funding our MedYouth Programme 2009.

Many Thanks again!

Marathon For TB Alert

2009-01-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

TB Alert conquers France in aid of Zimbabwe
Kirsten Scott

On the 22nd of November 2008, three of us braved the Beaujolais marathon in aid of the TB Alert project at Murambinda Hospital in Zimbabwe. Having been born and bred there, I have a strong interest in continuing to be involved in the health care system and have managed to visit Murambinda twice over the last three years. Our core team was comprised of an ophthalmologist (John) a vet (Hannah) and a medical student (myself) but we could not have managed without our four person support team (consisting of parents and significant others) who drove us around uncomplainingly and ensured that we had adequate amounts of food on board at all times.

Murambinda hospital is a rural mission hospital in Zimbabwe that serves a population of approximately 300,000. Despite the current crisis, it has continued to deliver effective care to the local population, so much so that people from towns over 100km away are willing to walk there to receive treatment. Since TB Alert became involved, the TB program has gathered strength with accurate data collection and decentralisation of services forming a focus for both local and visiting staff.

The marathon was part of an entire weekend of festivities to welcome the latest batch of Beaujolais nouveau into the world. The event started off well with sunshine, fancy dress and a good pre-marathon spread of coffee, wine, fruit juice and cake provided by volunteers from Fleurie. The self styled “Team Tuberculosis” ran in shirts with ‘Hôpital de Murambinda’ on the back which meant that there were regular shouts of “c’est un hôpital! alors! c’est un hôpital qui court le marathon aujourd’hui” [it is a hospital! a hospital running the marathon!]. John’s TB Alert shirt came with extra wings and he managed to complete the marathon in less than three hours. Hannah and I battled breathlessness and fatigue (not to mention snow and steep hills!) to heroically enlighten passing French men and women on the vagaries of TB in Africa (thereby finishing considerably later). Our increasing local fame culminated in an interview on French TV at the post marathon lunch the next day and we have now been offered free places in next year’s marathon. TB Alert may live to conquer the French yet again!

With the support of incredibly generous friends and family we managed to raise £4,765.80 for the district TB program in Murambinda. Further donations may be given at www.justgiving.com/kirstenscott2.

UNITE ZIMNITE!!

2009-01-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

ZHTS Away Day!

2009-01-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

ZHTS coupled with the International Development Unit are hosting and "Away Day" to discuss;

Work involving the link between King's, ZHTS and Zimbabwe
Discuss achievements and activities
Future directions of the link

Details;

Saturday 24th January

9.30 - 4pm

Conference Centre

Western Education Centre

King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T06:49:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas
&
Happy New Year
from all at
Project Zimbabwe!

2008-12-12T03:42:00.000-08:00

Zim Gear Sponsors Unite ZimNite!!

A generous donation of t-shirts to buy and a unique hoodie specially

designed as a raffle prize.

Thank you!!

Our Next Fundraiser!

2008-12-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

January 24th 2009

7pm

Function Room

Walkabout, Temple

2008-12-06T01:16:00.000-08:00

MSF Zimbabwe Emergency Appeal

http://www.msf.org.uk/zimbabweappeal.aspx

Next Meeting

2008-12-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 13th January 2009

6pm

The Spit Boardroom

Boland House

Guy's Campus

Agenda to follow!

PZ Publication!

2008-11-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

Student BMJ News:

London Medical Students have been forging links with their counterparts in Zimbabwe to share experiences of life and learning.

The first year of Project Zimbabwe, a collaboration between King's College, London medical school at Guy's, King's & St Thomas' Hospitals and the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, has involved 20 students in each country pairing up in an email 'buddy' system.

The students discuss the ways they are taught, and the scheme has given rise to another collaborative project called Medyouth.

This is partyle modelled on the sucessful UK sex education project Sexpression and will lead to medical students from both countries visiting schools and colleges in Bulawayo to facilitate sexual and reproductive health classes.

Project Zimbabwe founder member Kirsten Scott said "The project aims to help children prepare for adult life though fun an interactive learning. It will also provide educational development and experience of public health to medical students".

The project, which also aims to raise awareness of Zimbabwean health provision challenges amoung medical students in the UK, has collaborated with the airline Virgin to send more than 500 books to Universities in Harare and Bulawayo and some district general hospitals.

Ms Scott siad that in the longer term the plan was to work with medical school staff to help electronic resources in Zimbabwe.

Next Meeting

2008-11-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

The next committee meeting will be:

28th November

5.30pm

The Spit Boardroom

Boland House

Guy's Campus

King's College London

Next Meeting

2008-11-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

There will be a lunch time meeting on the 9th November to discuss the MedYouth Zimbabwe trip in detail. Review of this year's trip and also plans for 2009 will be covered. The time and venue are to be arranged. If you would like to come along , please email projectzimbabwe@gmail.com and we will pass on the details.

Raffle Prizes Donated

2008-10-10T05:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.thegoldcoastbar.com/

http://www.circleclubcard.com/

A £30 voucher for a meal at The Gold Coast Bar and two Platinum Membership Cards for the Circle Club London have been donated as raffle prizes for our social this Sunday.

Rachel, on the PZ committee is also donating two 100billion Zim Dollar notes as prizes too!

Project Zimbabwe Social 2008!

2008-09-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

Project Zimbabwe Social 2008!
Come along and find out all about our projects and how to get involved.

The Roebuck Pub Function Room
Sunday 12th October
7pm - 10pm

- Talks - Raffle - Wine etc etc!

Running for TB in Zimbabwe!

2008-09-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Kirsten, president of PZ 2007/8, is running a marathon (!) in France this November in aid of raising money for a TB programme in Murambinda, Zimbabwe. If you would like to support her and make a donation, the web page is below!

http://www.justgiving.com/kirstenscott2

2008-08-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

Many, many thanks to the following for volunteering at Zimfest for Project Zimbabwe!
Jenny, Chloe, Laura, Kiran, Sinead, Kay, Shanti,Fay, Millie, Christine, Kirby, Nyasha, Kay's sister, Lexi, Neill & Ashleigh, Sharon, Sharon's friend, Tom, Tolandi & Celia!

The day was a fantastic success by all reports and Project Zimbabwe is very grateful for the donation they will receive from Zimfest. We look forward to Zimfest 2009! :-) Jen

2008-08-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

MedYouth gets a new logo!

2008-07-31T00:19:00.000-07:00

ZIMFEST 2008!!
www.wezimbabwe.org

Saturday 30th August 2008
St Georges Playing Fields
Raynes Park, London

Buy your tickets from the website today!!

2008-07-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

2008-07-07T13:40:00.001-07:00

Committee Changes

Secretary - Jenny Vallance

Books Project Coordinator - Roma Dewan

General Officer - Ali Al-Jumaily

2008-07-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Rapid sponsers PZ MedYouth Project 20008 by donating over 25 boxes of chalk that can be used to help teach our life skills programme this summer. Many thanks again!

www.rapidonline.com

2008-06-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

MedYouth Project Moves Forward!

This summer 5 members of Project Zimbabwe will be joining fellow medical students in Bulawayo to pilot our MedYouth Project. A recent meeting hosted by Zim students has really moved the project forward with a clear set of aims and objectives and points still to be covered.

MedYouth aims to achieve its objectives by educating the youth using the life skills education programme which focuses on two main aspects:

- Reproductive Health
- Contemporary Social Issues concerning the Youth

A combination of teaching methods shall be implemented, such as the use of role-plays / drama / debates / sport / quiz competitions; as well as different teaching tools, such as Auntie Stella kits and information leaflets, amongst others.

We aim to use the above non-traditional teaching methods, which more closely involve the pupils with a look towards peer-to-peer education and interactive discussion groups, as they have been shown to generate more interest and have a longer-lasting effect on the youth. The presence of medical students is also engineered to generate interest, both as a generation close to their own that is easy to identify with and also in terms of motivation / career guidance / inspiration.

In order to measure the impact of the project, the following monitoring and evaluation tools shall be used:

- Questionnaires (before and after the programme)
- Quiz Competitions
- Debating Competitions
- UNAIDS benchmarks for effective programs

Proposed Program Topic Content:

- Absentee Parentage
- Abuse – emotional / physical / verbal / substance/ sexual
- Adolescent Reproductive Health and Sexuality
- Care and Management (including Mitigation)
- Career Guidance
- Child Protection
- Discrimination
- Divorce and Broken Homes
- Healthy Lifestyle (exercise and nutrition)
- Peer Pressure
- Relationships: family / friendship / community
- Self Esteem
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Teenage Pregnancies
- Values & Beliefs
- HIV and AIDS

Meeting

2008-06-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

**Committee Meeting**

Thursday 5th June 2008

The Boardroom

The Spit, Boland House

Guy's Campus

King's College London

6pm

African Music Night II

2008-05-30T02:48:00.002-07:00

African Music Night II

2008-05-30T02:48:00.001-07:00

Another hugely sucessful night at Walkabout where 'Harare' entertained the crowd all night with their African rhythms! The event was really well attended and ALL the money raised will go towards projects run by PZ this year!

Many, many thanks to all that came and supported us!

May 2008 - African Music Night II

2008-05-21T14:12:00.012-07:00

AGM 2008

2008-05-21T14:12:00.011-07:00

Committee members elected;

President – Jennifer Gifford-Garner
Secretary – Alix Fonfé
Treasurer – Rowan Ambrose
Medyouth Project Officer – Rachel Adams
Buddy Project Officer– Alex Field
Books Project Officer – Alex Lake
General Officers – Kirsten Scott, Sonia Abid, Chloe Baker, Jenny Vallance

King’s –ZHTS – Zimbabwe (KZZ) Link is announced!!

2008-05-21T14:12:00.010-07:00

The Link is based at Kings College Hospital, London. Dr Jack Barker and ZHTS have been working together for a year to support the College of Health Sciences at University of Zimbabwe [CHS-UZ] in Harare and the Faculty of Medicine at the National University of Science and Technology [NUST] in Bulawayo. The Link has the support of the International Development Unit [IDU] at Kings College Hospital and THET.

At the IDU Away Day on 26th January 2008, there was a lot of enthusiasm for supporting Zimbabwe. A group of Kings staff and others from further afield met to discuss support for Zimbabwe this year. The first teaching visits are planned for March when Dr Jack Barker and Dr Charles Mazhude visit. During 2008 the Link aims to send out more staff and students to help with supporting colleagues in the two institutions.

May 2008
Professor Chidzonga, Dean of College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, was guest at a meeting at Kings College Hospital on May 17th to further the Links programme between Kings, ZHTS and institutions in Zimbabwe, including CHS-UZ. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss how the Link will operate and to develop relationships as well as provide an update on the health professional training context, determine key needs and discuss practical issues around visit logistics and funding.

Sexual Health Quiz & Training Day

2008-05-21T14:12:00.009-07:00

In preparation for the Medyouth Project being piloted this summer, PZ committee members took part in a sexual health teacher-training day which was hosted by another King’s University group Sexpression. The skills learnt will be used by all team members to teach school children in Bulawayo about important sexual health issues.As a fundraiser for the project, Sonia took the lead on organising a Quiz night based around global and sexual health issues. The night took place in Guy’s Bar, the student venue of Guy’s Campus at King’s College and was successful in raising money that will be used in collecting training equipment for the project

November 2007 - African Music Night I

2008-05-21T14:12:00.007-07:00

PZ hosted a HUGELY successful music night featuring Zimbabwean band HAHARE playing live! The event was attended by students from Universities all over London, Zimbabwean health professionals, Zimbabwean charity members and the general public alike. Please see the pictures and more importantly read all about African Music Night II.

Project Zimbabwe member visits Zimbabwe!

2008-05-21T14:12:00.006-07:00

Ali visited Zimbabwe in order to meet potential co-project workers and explore ideas, aims and objectives. Please see separate post for full information about the MedYouth Link Project....

Project Zimbabwe Movie Night

2008-05-21T14:12:00.004-07:00

In June 2007 PZ hosted a movie night featuring films by Zimbabwean film maker Tsitsi Dangarembga focusing on the massive issues of HIV and landmines that currently face the country. The night took place on King’s College Campus, included wine and snacks and was very well attended. The money raised was put forward for future project funding – please read on!

Zimbabwean Health Awareness Talks

2008-05-21T14:12:00.003-07:00

Last year we helped to raise awareness of the challenges facing health care workers in Zimbabwe as well as generally increasing medical student awareness of global health and the impact of political insecurity on health. We organised two talks by émigré Zimbabwean doctors which presented some of the challenges facing health care workers, leading to discussion about how we in the UK can support colleagues in Zimbabwe.

AGM 2007

2008-05-21T14:12:00.002-07:00

Committee members elected;

President – Kirsten Scott
Secretary – Jennifer Gifford-Garner
Buddy Project Co-ordinator – Alex Field
Project Officers – Ali Al-Jumaily & Rachel Adams
Publicity Officer – Alix Fonfe
Fundraiser – Rowan Ambrose
Floaters – Rachel Adams & Sonia Abid

Book Project Developed

2008-05-21T14:12:00.001-07:00

Aim: To provide the medical school library’s in Bulawayo and Harare with more up to date text books and pharmacological reference handbooks.

Achievements:
Over 500 books have been sent to Zimbabwe in three shipments using baggage allowance donations from Virgin Airways staff. Books have been donated by King’s students, Doctors and the British Medical Association (BMA). There is an ongoing need for books and resources and we will continue to ship requested texts in 2008/9.

March 2007 - Birth of Project Zimbabwe!!

2008-05-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Founded by Kirsten Scott and all her great ideas – PZ got off to a great start with projects getting off the ground straight away. Please read on and follow our successes over the last year and at us to your favourites to keep posted on all that is to come in 2008/9