Thank you Columbia University!
July 8, 2009-
- The dedication plaque outside the restored building
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- Baobab Helped this woman start a business two years ago. She is now healthy and thriving.
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- Mdoe Rides a Camel During the Ceremony
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- First Lady of Tanzania Salma Kikwete
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- Terri and Abdul-Sarah T’s favorite little man
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- Nurses on Parade
Last week Baobab volunteers, along with Terri, George, Mdoe and Justis attended the opening of the new Counseling and Treatment Center for HIV AIDS in Bagamoyo. This center was made possible by the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and PEPFAR funds from the USA. I am writing to say thank you.
I have been living in Bagamoyo for over five years. I have loved and lost many friends and children to HIV/AIDS. I have also watched how transformational ART (the drugs provided free by this center) can be. Thousands in Bagamoyo are enrolled and are either receiving free ART, or counseling and treatment until they are in need of the drugs. For four years this center has operated out of some really run down, depressing buildings. Now thanks to Columbia U, a 100 year old building has been beautifully restored and the center is run with much greater efficiency. Baobab will start bringing volunteers there to draw with the children while they wait for treatment.
It was a nice day and I got to catch up with a lot of old friends. I saw people we had helped a long time ago who are now doing well. We were disappointed that the American Ambassador couldn’t make it.
One of our donors, Tanya is an alum of Columbia and Aaron, one of our former volunteers attends there now. Please pass on our thanks to anyone you know directly or indirectly involved!!
