Welcome to Madagascar!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
When I landed in Madagascar two days ago, I was not sure what to expect. It felt as though I had walked off the plane and into another world. I had hoped to get a view of the island from the air but the sun had long set and I had an aisle seat. That seat, though, was invaluable to me, as this was how I would get to my new home for the next five months in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Only a month ago I had received the phone call from the Canadian Red Cross International office informing me that I was to become the new junior delegate. I was thrilled.
I then set about on a series of medical visits where I was poked and prodded with a host of vaccines and prescribed with five months worth of anti-malarial medicines. With sore arms and two full bags I then traveled to Maniwaki, Quebec (a few hours outside of Ottawa) where I attended the Canadian Red Cross overseas personnel basic training course. After seven intensive days of learning and one final night in Canada, I boarded my flight.
Upon arrival I was met Madagascar Malaria Program Manager and former junior delegate Adam Johnston. My next days in Madagascar were spent learning how a malaria bed net campaign is organized and implemented. Thus far my experience has been enlightening.
Since my arrival here I have been met with such warmth and generosity on behalf of the Malagasy people. I'm excited to see how the program unfolds and expect to learn a great deal.
Posted for: Mandy LeRiche
When I landed in Madagascar two days ago, I was not sure what to expect. It felt as though I had walked off the plane and into another world. I had hoped to get a view of the island from the air but the sun had long set and I had an aisle seat. That seat, though, was invaluable to me, as this was how I would get to my new home for the next five months in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Only a month ago I had received the phone call from the Canadian Red Cross International office informing me that I was to become the new junior delegate. I was thrilled.
I then set about on a series of medical visits where I was poked and prodded with a host of vaccines and prescribed with five months worth of anti-malarial medicines. With sore arms and two full bags I then traveled to Maniwaki, Quebec (a few hours outside of Ottawa) where I attended the Canadian Red Cross overseas personnel basic training course. After seven intensive days of learning and one final night in Canada, I boarded my flight.
Upon arrival I was met Madagascar Malaria Program Manager and former junior delegate Adam Johnston. My next days in Madagascar were spent learning how a malaria bed net campaign is organized and implemented. Thus far my experience has been enlightening.
Since my arrival here I have been met with such warmth and generosity on behalf of the Malagasy people. I'm excited to see how the program unfolds and expect to learn a great deal.
Posted for: Mandy LeRiche
Labels: africa, bed nets, canadian red cross, madagascar, malaria bites
posted by Alison Frehlich at 10:41 AM
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