We spent 2 weeks at the Foundation for Aids Orphaned Children (FAOC) in Mbarara, which is an organization striving to improve the financial situation for the families of AIDs victims. Vets Without Borders is working in association with FAOC. While we were here, Dr. Kent Weir, Dr. Leanne Macdonald, and Dr. Sarah Stewart were working on the goats/pig pass on project with FAOC. Dr. Weir has been in Mbarara since January, while the other two recent grads arrived in late April. Dr. Judy Hodge, another recent graduate will be joining them in June.
We assisted the vets in fecal sample collection and fecal analysis, assessing parasite load post de-worming in order to determine the effectiveness of the dewormer. We also worked with the ladies of the parishes to repair existing goat pens, plant goat feed, and demonstrate overall teamwork. As well, in cooperation with the villagers, we constructed a large goat pen for an elderly member of one of the parishes.
When we were not working in the field, we did general office maintenance. In preparation for the upcoming craft fair in Mbarara and the craft sale at FAOC, we created a sign for the booth, as well as removing the termite infested thatched roof from the old craft shed.
Overall, FAOC was a good first project for our group as we became acquainted with the African lifestyle, the African hospitality, and the very different African time. We learned bits of the local language and customs, and got to know some of the locals, creating a feeling of a home base here in Africa
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