Day 13

12/29/08

Today was relatively uneventful. I came to the clinic at around 8:30am, and worked the whole day through. When Maital was here, she and the Dokta set up an Assurance Scheme, accounts in which patients could deposit money each month in order to ensure that they could pay for services when needed. In order to promote the program, I set up a bonus campaign with most of the money collected from the nicest people at Brandeis (and my parents, my favorite ones, of course). First of all, thank you to everyone who contributed; your money, which I promised would go directly toward saving lives, is doing just that, while at the same time teaching people money and family-health management. Job well done to you all. We offered a bonus of 3500 UGX to everyone enrolled in the program and actively contributing to their account, which seems like nothing (it is about $1.80), but when the monthly deposit requirement to remain active is 1000 UGX, or $0.50, this contribution is pretty damn significant. I think it will do a lot to make people more comfortable coming for care even if they fear they cannot afford it and encourage people to continue to participate in the program. We also set aside a certain amount to match the first monthly deposit of the next 100+ patients to enroll in the program. I drafted a letter that is being given to every participant, informing them of the good fortune you all brought upon them and encouraging them to urge their friends and family to enroll in the program. So once again, thank you all. I then took a ride back to town on the back of the Dokta’s motorcycle and now I’m at the internet café to post this. Unfortunately, for the last time, Happy Chanukah, and if the internet doesn’t work, Happy New Year. Keep emailing and commenting! Miss everyone and I will be on my journey back to the airport this time next week, with a day to kill in Kampala with Jen in between. Can't wait to come home; don't want to leave here. Sounds like life.