SIM Stories: Banda Go

In Nairobi, SIM has a growing ‘Banda Health’ team whose main activity is continually developing a low-cost, low-fuss software solution for small clinics, called Banda Go.

I joined the team last year on a visit to one of the first adopters of the software, Ebenezer Medical Care clinic. I’m no medic, but it didn’t take too long for me to get a picture of what is possible with Banda Go.

This solution really can transform the efficiency of small clinics who deliver healthcare to low-resource communities. It’s a vital work. Do check out the Banda Health website and support in whichever way you can.

Since this visit, the software has made a home in numerous clinics across Kenya and is expanding internationally. Exciting times.

SIM Stories: (Disability in Kenya) Reaching out to the Hidden and Forgotten

In what is the largest solo video edit I have undertaken, Reaching out to the Hidden and Forgotten (above) follows the story of three families living with the burden of disability in Kenya.

The teaser that was shared prior (below) highlights some of the lies that communities speak into the lives of families coping with disability.

It was an exceptionally difficult first visit to the homes of these families. One home the child was locked inside the house alone. Another child sat on the floor outside.

Seemingly no one to adequately care for those children . Yes, they were loved, but the strength needed to show that love was missing. Financial pressure, the daily challenge of caring for a child with disability 24/7, the stigma placed on the family by the community,

Sports Friends, which is a ministry of SIM, is currently working with the local church to reach out to these families and provide them with the support (and healing) that they need.

Having spent time with the families on a few occasions, I am encouraged by the transformation in their lives. I hope the video, hard hitting at first, encourages you too.

SIM Stories: I Can Breathe Again

I get to meet amazing people in East Africa, hear their stories and work out how to try and do those stories justice in written, photo or video form.

And what a privilege it was to meet Appolinarie last year - she is an inspiration. A mother of two, Appolinarie resides in Nairobi, having fled her home country of Ruanda, during the genocide more than 20 years ago.

SIM Kenya does a great work through trauma healing and there are many refugees in Nairobi alone that have received or are in need of trauma healing. Appolinarie was one such person.

Having received healing from her traumatic experiences - a moment she describes as ‘I could breathe again’ - she now helps other French-speaking refugees in Nairobi to deal with their trauma, through trauma healing groups.

Appolinarie, as a young pregnant lady, witnessed and experienced trauma that no one should have to. Yet, I have come to appreciate that there is no trauma too big for God to heal.

Check out the video via the link below and feel free to share - some stories like this one need to be heard.