A 13-year-old Congolese refugee borrows a Swiss student’s stethoscope
I recently returned from Uganda. The Bwindi Community Hospital is thriving and the Uganda Nursing School-Bwindi will transition to a full science and technology university mid-2025. The hospital and nursing school are both located near the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a result of the border being controlled by a rebel group named M-23, there has been a major influx of refugees and we visit these refugee camps frequently rendering medical assistance. On a recent visit, I was joined by three Swiss medical students. On arrival, we were immediately surrounded by throngs of kids. One engaging 13-year-old Congolese girl, who could speak some English, told the students about her ambition to become a doctor. She was delighted when one of the Swiss students showed her how to use a stethoscope. During the conversation we asked the girl why she was able to have such joy in the midst of losing all of her possessions. Her response touched our hearts, "For the first time in my life, I feel safe and I have hope."
We have much to be thankful for!