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Charity is
training its first medic
The process of doubling
the number of doctors in one of the world's poorest regions has
begun, thanks to the generosity of people in Cheltenham.
For years Alusine Kamara, who lives in Sierra Leone, dreamed of
training as a medic but he could not afford the £900-a-year
fees. Now, thanks to the Kambia Hospital Appeal based in
Cheltenham, he has started a seven-year course in the capital
Freetown.
As the first Cheltenham scholar, his fees and living allowance
will be paid by the charity in exchange for him pledging five
years' service to the Kambia Hospital when he graduates.
The region it serves has a larger population than Cheltenham but
only one doctor so the 34-year-old will make a big difference.
Alusine, who is married with four children, was the area's
HIV/Aids co-ordinator and counsellor before starting his studies
last week.
He said: "It has always been my ambition to be a doctor so
I can do more to help my people.
"I had an opportunity many years ago to study but I was
unable to due to lack of funding.
"Warm greetings to all those in Cheltenham. I appreciate
all the contributions and support from the people there."
The money for his expenses was raised at a golf day and
breakfast party in Cheltenham, which raised nearly £9,000.
The charity is planning more events to expand the scholarship
programme and train doctors, nurses and midwives and provide
equipment.
Spokesman James Dowling said: "At long last there's a real
solution in sight to the lack of doctors in Kambia.
"It will take years of training but we're confident Alusine
will become a great asset to his community.
"Hopefully, he's just the first of many local people in
Kambia to be trained."
The link with Kambia was forged in 1992 when an African charity
worker visited Gloucestershire.
The charity was set up to support its hospital, which was
destroyed in the civil. It built a new one with the help of an
EU grant.
To make a donation visit www.kambiahospital.org.uk
©
Gloucestershire Echo.
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