GOF in the Field: Trip Update

We’ve just returned from a 2-week stay in Bolingo Village and we’re excited to share the latest updates with you!

Here are the highlights:

As always, the best part of the trip was seeing the kids play, laugh, and thrive. We currently have 19 children living between 3 homes, and we are happy to report that they are all A-OK! We had a swing set built as our newest addition to the playground, sparking absolute joy among all the kids (and the staff). We also held a certificate ceremony for the school-aged children to celebrate completing their first semester of class. We want to be sure we are doing everything we can to help them understand the power of education and reach their full potential.

Thanks to BarnRaisers of Indiana, our farm expansion is underway! We have cleared more farmland, significantly increasing the space where traditional crops can be grown. Our farm staff is getting started on planting a greater variety and supply of produce, which will not only enhance the nutrition and quality of life of our children but will also increase the financial stability of Bolingo.

In other farm expansion news, 100 fruit trees, young and mature, have been planted throughout our land. Soon, the kids will be able to pick fresh orange, apple, avocado, papaya, and mango right outside their homes.

Construction for the chicken area and coups will be complete any day now. We have fenced in about 400 square meters for the chickens to roam freely, and a coup with enough space for them to comfortably sleep and lay their eggs. We can’t wait until the families have access to fresh eggs every day!

We officially opened the Bolingo Village Medical Clinic to the surrounding community, a feat that we are excited to have accomplished. Opening day saw dozens of members from the community anxious to see the operation first-hand. Our Bolingo medical staff made up of our physician, nurse, and lab technician proved to be absolute studs. Together, we efficiently recorded patient data, completed consultations, and accurately diagnosed and treated 15 patients.

Unfortunately, the recent coronavirus outbreak has left us no choice but to close the clinic to outside patients temporarily. We have to prioritize the safety of the children in our care. We look forward to the day when this is all over, and we can resume providing medical care to those in need.

All in all, we are thankful for yet another successful trip for the books! Scroll through the photos below to be transported into Bolingo Village :)