Volunteer Stories - Khem
 Khem, left, village microscopist John Roberts, right, at the Health Post. Click for closeup view |
| Trip to Yupukari, October 2006 I came to this village knowing very little about it except the fact that there needs to be some improvement in health care. I read about this in the Rupununi Learners Foundation newsletter and became interested in the work that Alice and Peter Taylor are doing there. I decided to come and see what I can do to help Alice. |
Jamie’s Diary
I am Guyanese born, grew up Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. I have a special interest in helping the Guyanese people in the underserved areas. I have no interest in being involved with the projects in the cities where things are available.
I spent my time talking to people, to the school kids, and the health care workers. If you take malaria and the diarrhea problems that occur mostly at the beginning of the rainy season out of the equation this is a fairly healthy community.
Alice Taylor and the volunteers who have been to Yupukari have opened the door to the people here. The education level is low, not because the people don't want to learn but because of the lack of information. Alice has started a library and I see adults and kids coming here to read books and watch videos in an attempt to learn.
It was refreshing to see kids never pass you without saying good morning, reminds me of the good old days when I grew up in Guyana. Alice listens to every one and every one is welcomed with something to drink. I plan to return to help her with the projects she has started to help the community. I also plan to try and organize other volunteers to come to Yupukari and help. We need all kinds of people: health-care workers, teachers, or people with technical skills. Education is going to be the main focus. I am going to be asking people for help, so all of you professionals out there please step up to the plate. Among other things we need school supplies but please check with Alice or me before buying anything or sending anything. We need to make sure that things are coordinated to meet the needs of this community.
If you cannot come maybe you can find someone else to come and help the wonderful people of this quiet village in the Rupununi territory. My time there was an eye-opener. There are talented people here, people hungry for knowledge. All they need is materials (books, videos) and guidance.
I was there during the time when different agencies were there to see what can be done to help and hopefully these groups will see the need and lend their help.
I took a chance and went to a village, Yupukari, I had never heard of and was impressed with what I saw and am energized to go back and help.
Ramgobind Khemraj
Laboratory Director
Morton County Health System
Elkhart, Kansas, 67950