We Heal More Than We Know

Last month, we welcomed an exceptional team of doctors to Uganda from Trinity Health Michigan. They came not for comfort, but to serve.

For close to three weeks, they worked side by side with our local health teams at St. Stephen’s Hospital and Kasangati Community Hospital. As Dr. Roselyne Akigizibwe, head of Kasangati Hospital, said, “They came at the right time. Their stay added real value to our health system.”

“We learned a tremendous amount,” said Dr. Patty McNally, Internal Medicine Program Director for Trinity Health Michigan. “The physicians and clinical officers in Uganda are very knowledgeable and are excellent role models in their reliance on history and physical to make medical decisions, as opposed to the over-reliance on testing that is commonplace in medical practice in the United States. We are extremely grateful to have been able to work with and learn from such wonderful professionals.”  

The highlights of their trip included two free outreach clinics, which were put on collaboratively by the local St. Stephen’s Hospital staff and the visiting Trinity Health doctors. The first was at the Samaritan Family Life Centre in Kiteezi, after the International Samaritan Day 5K run. The second clinic was the following week at St. Stephen’s Hospital. More than 400 people were served through the two clinics. Families came with hope in their eyes and left with medicine, guidance, and joy.

“I had gone months without seeing a doctor,” said Amoding Patricia, the mother of one of our scholars. “These clinics brought health back to our community.”

The doctors didn’t stop there. They also visited scholars at school and families in their homes to understand how people live.

“I loved that visit,” said Michelle, age 11, one of our scholars who talked to the doctors when they visited her school. After Michelle shared her life story with them, “they told me to aim higher and keep fighting for a better future,” she said with a hopeful smile. “I feel very important now because listening to Dr. Patty’s words of encouragement never left me the same.”

Dr. Mark Zawisa shared, “It was good to engage with the community members in their homes, seeing them so grateful for our help. The mothers we spoke to shared a great optimism for their children.”

At the end of her stay, Dr. Patty smiled and said, “It feels wonderful to be in Uganda. Uganda has welcomed me with open arms. They’ve renamed me Suubi, which means hope. They have stolen a piece of my heart forever.”

That word, Suubi, says it all. Hope came to Kiteezi, not in speeches or promises, but through hands that served and hearts that cared. This visit reminded us what love in action looks like: When we show up for others, even in small ways, we heal more than we know.

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting 950 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

David Kafambe, Uganda Country Director

David has more than 15 years of leadership experience and a deep knowledge of East Africa. He specializes in managing and developing organizations in development and humanitarian contexts. He has degrees in Community Development, Business Administration, and an M.B.A.

Be A Samaritan

We all need someone who will stop and help: just as the Good Samaritan did in the biblical parable. Through the support of generous people, we’re able to offer holistic scholarships that provide tuition, school supplies, mentorship, and basic health and wellness services. This support provides a path out of poverty for children and their families.

Be A Samaritan today: set up a recurring gift and help support life-changing scholarships every month.