For many years
‘voluntary working trips overseas’ have been poorly coordinated
and much good intention, effort and expense has been misdirected
and therefore has had little impact on the initial concern it
set out to aid. This is why MOSS ‘eye programmes’ will only
partnership with individuals and organisation that adhere to
Vision 2020 – ‘the right to sight’ principles. In
this WHO vision, the priorities of how to reduce the 80% of
needlessly blind in the world by 2020 is shown.
MOSS has helped many
people obtain short periods of work in Madagascar under a
voluntary basis. Much of this has been health related and has
included Medical Student electives, Nurses, House officers,
Registrars and Consultants on observational, teaching and
research trips. To obtain the most benefit for both the
individual and for Madagascar, following the 5 Os below
is encouraged. It is also important to learn more about
Madagascar as a country and the Bradt guide on Madagascar is
quite superb in achieving this in an enthusiastic way. Some
people ask “Well what can I do to help?” By following the
Orientation and visiting Madagascar on an Observational
visit can make it clear whether one really does wish to commit
to helping Madagascar rather than falling into the trap of
Medical Tourism. Many of us start out our interests in this
Observational manner and a few will continue. This is how
MOSS and many of the other charities working in Madagascar
started. The important thing is to go and enjoy the experience.
Do not work all the time. See some of the uniqueness of
Madagascar and have fun – ‘A good worker is a happy worker’.
-
ORIENTATION
eg. through attending specific ‘Community Eye Health’
training modules run by
I.C.E.H. both in London and
overseas (1-2 weeks).
-
OBSERVATION
of the proposed overseas programme to initiate the linkage,
fact find and develop personal communication/relationships.
-
OBJECTIVES
of the linkage need to be
determined, defined and aligned with the overall local
programme and programme supporter eg. Ministry of Health
and/or Non Governmental Organisation.
-
ORGANISATION
of activities will preferably include a timetable over 2-3
years in the first instance and will need to include
funding/fundraising.
-
OUTCOME
evaluation of these activities will be encouraged by both
linkage institutions and programme supporter, including
brief summary reports prior to directing future activities.
Please contact
obackhouse@mossuk.net
for further information.
