Vaughn Hester
Washington DC,
—
United States
a FORGEnow member for: 5 months
To improve access to medical care and health education in one of the most populated refugee communities in Meheba Settlement, which has not had a working clinic for more than five years.
Geographically, Block G in Meheba Refugee Settlement finds itself at a drastic disadvantage in terms of receiving health services. Located at the back of the camp and far from any clinics, the refugees of Block G feel isolated and underserved when it comes to medical attention. When FORGE brought this community together to determine what they needed, the answer was clear: an opportunity for healthier lives. After an extensive needs assessment the refugee project leader explains that, "the findings showed clearly that the population of all ages and classes suffered pain of lack of medical services." Thus they designed the FORGE Health Service project, which will enable patients who can’t make it to the nearest clinic get basic medicines, allow pregnant women to get delivery assistance by trained midwives; and give children access to the care that they need. This project will help all 2200 people in this block to live longer and healthier lives.
To provide computer education and trainings in peace and non-violence.
As refugees are often the innocent victims of nations torn apart by war, peace education is both a highly sought after and highly respected curriculum within the camps in which FORGE works. Including such skills as non-violent communication, constructive collaborative, conflict resolution, and mediation, the peace component of the project teaches valuable tools that can be used to build community stability both within the camps and, eventually, within their home countries. While peace education provides the framework for a better future, scholars are quick to note that the lasting stability cannot be reached when individuals and communities have nothing to lose. Thus, the computer aspect of the project helps refugees to gain the skills that will build the economic opportunities that lay at the root of social stability. Realizing that the world has become increasingly reliant on technology for growth and expansion, refugees know that gaining a solid understanding of computer technology gives them an important tool for the establishment of a successful future. Computer skills can allow refugees to contribute to the rebuilding of their lives and countries by successfully gaining employment and by sharing the lessons that they have learned within the camp.