MEET THE VOLUNTEERS-our heros
| This is page is dedicated to pay our respect and thank you to all - volunteers who donated their free time, work, money and their personal efforts toward improving the lives of people in the remote Maventibao Area |
Ben Shipley, founder of the clinic in Maventibao. Ben founded the clinic in 1998 as
he wished to help the local people with their lack of health care services. He has
done an amazing job. For those who visit Maventibao can only be amazed by the
work he has put into this. Throughout the years, he rebuilt the clinic 3 times, he
build a road to the village, recruited local nurse and volunteers from around the
world. Thousands of villagers received help since then. Ben lives part time in the
United States and part time in Madagascar, where thanks to his efforts the Mada
Clinic is able to prospect and function for those in need. If have any questions, can
e-mail Ben directly at: tahthoo@hotmail.com
thanks again for everything ben. you are an inspiration to all of us.
he wished to help the local people with their lack of health care services. He has
done an amazing job. For those who visit Maventibao can only be amazed by the
work he has put into this. Throughout the years, he rebuilt the clinic 3 times, he
build a road to the village, recruited local nurse and volunteers from around the
world. Thousands of villagers received help since then. Ben lives part time in the
United States and part time in Madagascar, where thanks to his efforts the Mada
Clinic is able to prospect and function for those in need. If have any questions, can
e-mail Ben directly at: tahthoo@hotmail.com
thanks again for everything ben. you are an inspiration to all of us.
Julia Marlena Moser - Zurich, Switzerland; Dates at Mada Clinic: February 20th
2007 until May 15th 2007 2007
Background: After my degree at High School (Gymnasium/Matura) I wanted to go
abroad in order to learn English - I went to the US (near to New York) as an
au-pair. But after two months I realized that I wanted to do something else,
something that made more sense for me (instead of driving children to the school
every morning, I wanted to help to build a school or to be a teacher in a poor
country). So I left the US and was working during four months in a call center in
Switzerland in order to earn some money for my stay as a volunteer. First I wanted
to go to India. But then I wanted to go in a country that was "less famous" for
volunteers - I knew that Madagascar must have a wonderful nature and I was
looking for something in the internet. I decided to go to the Madaclinic because you
are "in the reality" - without running water and electricity... And you are so close to
the wonderful nature.
Everything was so different and sometimes it was really hard to understand the
way people think there. I was teaching the kids (especially the kids between 6 and
15 years) and it cost me a lot of energy, but finally they gave me a lot of energy! It
was wonderful to see how they learned writing, painting and reading.
2007 until May 15th 2007 2007
Background: After my degree at High School (Gymnasium/Matura) I wanted to go
abroad in order to learn English - I went to the US (near to New York) as an
au-pair. But after two months I realized that I wanted to do something else,
something that made more sense for me (instead of driving children to the school
every morning, I wanted to help to build a school or to be a teacher in a poor
country). So I left the US and was working during four months in a call center in
Switzerland in order to earn some money for my stay as a volunteer. First I wanted
to go to India. But then I wanted to go in a country that was "less famous" for
volunteers - I knew that Madagascar must have a wonderful nature and I was
looking for something in the internet. I decided to go to the Madaclinic because you
are "in the reality" - without running water and electricity... And you are so close to
the wonderful nature.
Everything was so different and sometimes it was really hard to understand the
way people think there. I was teaching the kids (especially the kids between 6 and
15 years) and it cost me a lot of energy, but finally they gave me a lot of energy! It
was wonderful to see how they learned writing, painting and reading.
"Lauren Emma MacHattie
Dates at Madaclinic: May 1, 2007 - June 22, 2007.
Background: I grew up in Ottawa, Canada and have been a traveller for most of my life. I am
passionate about learning what I can from other cultures and feeling what it is to be part of a true
community. I decided to travel to the Mada Clinic in Maventibao because I was hoping to gain more
experience and learn what I could from the community as an aspiring Midwife. Just two weeks
before leaving for Maventibao, I was offered a spot in the University of British Columbia's Midwifery
Program. While working in the Mada Clinic it became clear that this type of work is something that I
want to dedicate my life to. I am now in my first year of Midwifery at UBC, living in Vancouver,
Canada.
Experience and advice for future volunteers: The two months that I spent at the Mada clinic were
incredible, unforgettable, challenging, and irreplaceable. I helped treat children with serious
malaria, educate patients, and catch my first baby--a longtime dream of mine. I was welcomed into
the homes and lives of those in Maventibao, and drank in the incredible lanscape each day. My
experiences in Maventibao have affected me very deeply. I think about the people in Maventibao
every day. Their fingerprints were left on my heart.
To future volunteers, may you feel welcomed into an incredibly loving and strong community of
people involved with the Mada clinic. Be open and ready to learn everything you can from the
Malagasy. They have so much to teach. It certainly isn't like anything close to home and those in
Maventibao may not speak your language, but the most important messages of are not
communicated using words. There are immaterial gifts that you may not immediately realize were
given to you by the Malagasy, but that will accompany you long after you return to your home soil. "
Dates at Madaclinic: May 1, 2007 - June 22, 2007.
Background: I grew up in Ottawa, Canada and have been a traveller for most of my life. I am
passionate about learning what I can from other cultures and feeling what it is to be part of a true
community. I decided to travel to the Mada Clinic in Maventibao because I was hoping to gain more
experience and learn what I could from the community as an aspiring Midwife. Just two weeks
before leaving for Maventibao, I was offered a spot in the University of British Columbia's Midwifery
Program. While working in the Mada Clinic it became clear that this type of work is something that I
want to dedicate my life to. I am now in my first year of Midwifery at UBC, living in Vancouver,
Canada.
Experience and advice for future volunteers: The two months that I spent at the Mada clinic were
incredible, unforgettable, challenging, and irreplaceable. I helped treat children with serious
malaria, educate patients, and catch my first baby--a longtime dream of mine. I was welcomed into
the homes and lives of those in Maventibao, and drank in the incredible lanscape each day. My
experiences in Maventibao have affected me very deeply. I think about the people in Maventibao
every day. Their fingerprints were left on my heart.
To future volunteers, may you feel welcomed into an incredibly loving and strong community of
people involved with the Mada clinic. Be open and ready to learn everything you can from the
Malagasy. They have so much to teach. It certainly isn't like anything close to home and those in
Maventibao may not speak your language, but the most important messages of are not
communicated using words. There are immaterial gifts that you may not immediately realize were
given to you by the Malagasy, but that will accompany you long after you return to your home soil. "
Ginny Lombard Dates at Mada Clinic: June 24, 2007 - July 9, 2007
Background: I am from the USA and live in Boston. Currently I teach high school computers and
math but will be retiring this December.
Why did you go to Madaclinic? I really believe in volunteerism and since I was taking my nephew on a
trip to Africa this was a great project to start off our travel.
What was your experience, what would you wish to tell to those who might consider coming in the
future: This was a wonderful experience. At first it was difficult to adjust to an environment where
there was not a lot to do but once I got a rhythm going with teaching school, it was great. The other
volunteers there were also terrific and made it a fun experience. I will always remember Maventibao
and hope to find a way to return one day. ( Ginny is on the ride side of the photo)
Background: I am from the USA and live in Boston. Currently I teach high school computers and
math but will be retiring this December.
Why did you go to Madaclinic? I really believe in volunteerism and since I was taking my nephew on a
trip to Africa this was a great project to start off our travel.
What was your experience, what would you wish to tell to those who might consider coming in the
future: This was a wonderful experience. At first it was difficult to adjust to an environment where
there was not a lot to do but once I got a rhythm going with teaching school, it was great. The other
volunteers there were also terrific and made it a fun experience. I will always remember Maventibao
and hope to find a way to return one day. ( Ginny is on the ride side of the photo)
Rebecca Farber, M.D.; Dates at Mada Clinic: March 2007
Background: Though I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I have been involved in ecological and
medical care in many international venues. I am currently an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the
Adolescent Health Center of Mount Sinai Hospital. In college at Tufts University I had studied
Environmental Biology, I studied Sustainable Development in Costa Rica, and then researched the
interactions between wildlife and communities in rural Kenya. In medical school, I had the opportunity
to begin to assist in medical care in underserved environments in Central and South America.
As a pediatrician in Maventibao, Madagascar, I have had the unique opportunity to combine these
interests and skills in the most beautiful countryside with some of the most amazing people. In
medicine, we often have idealistic goals, and it is rare that we get the chance to put our dreams into
action. For me, Maventibao is this dream. There are so many resources we are pulling together, and
your actions and results are both felt, seen, and appreciated more than you have ever experienced.
You feel like you have really done something when you yourself have had the opportunity to not only
bring vaccines to children who have never had a vaccine before, but also administer them. In a country
where they still remember what Polio is, giving a few drops of the precious vaccine to a baby who needs
it, makes you feel that you really are doing something in this world. Creating a project where medical
students, physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and students can learn, use their talents, and help others
to help themselves has been a powerful experience, one much greater than I even anticipated. From
Ben Shipley's dream, to Martin Malachovsky's creativeness and fortitude, and Ambassador Zina's
inspiration, this village of Maventibao can be even more than a realized dream, it can be a model for
future rural health care initiatives. For future volunteers, I recommend that you bring your guidebook,
your french dictionary (though not completely necessary), and your open heart and mind. Though you
are there to help, teach, and care for others, the people of Maventibao will teach and give to you more
than you could ever imagine. I think of some of the friends I made, and the children I had held, every
single day. I hope that you will get the opportunity to share your unique talents and gifts with the
beautiful people of Maventibao too. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Rebecca
rfarber@hotmail.com
(201) 421-4062
Background: Though I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I have been involved in ecological and
medical care in many international venues. I am currently an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the
Adolescent Health Center of Mount Sinai Hospital. In college at Tufts University I had studied
Environmental Biology, I studied Sustainable Development in Costa Rica, and then researched the
interactions between wildlife and communities in rural Kenya. In medical school, I had the opportunity
to begin to assist in medical care in underserved environments in Central and South America.
As a pediatrician in Maventibao, Madagascar, I have had the unique opportunity to combine these
interests and skills in the most beautiful countryside with some of the most amazing people. In
medicine, we often have idealistic goals, and it is rare that we get the chance to put our dreams into
action. For me, Maventibao is this dream. There are so many resources we are pulling together, and
your actions and results are both felt, seen, and appreciated more than you have ever experienced.
You feel like you have really done something when you yourself have had the opportunity to not only
bring vaccines to children who have never had a vaccine before, but also administer them. In a country
where they still remember what Polio is, giving a few drops of the precious vaccine to a baby who needs
it, makes you feel that you really are doing something in this world. Creating a project where medical
students, physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and students can learn, use their talents, and help others
to help themselves has been a powerful experience, one much greater than I even anticipated. From
Ben Shipley's dream, to Martin Malachovsky's creativeness and fortitude, and Ambassador Zina's
inspiration, this village of Maventibao can be even more than a realized dream, it can be a model for
future rural health care initiatives. For future volunteers, I recommend that you bring your guidebook,
your french dictionary (though not completely necessary), and your open heart and mind. Though you
are there to help, teach, and care for others, the people of Maventibao will teach and give to you more
than you could ever imagine. I think of some of the friends I made, and the children I had held, every
single day. I hope that you will get the opportunity to share your unique talents and gifts with the
beautiful people of Maventibao too. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Rebecca
rfarber@hotmail.com
(201) 421-4062
Vanessa Byrne.;Ireland; Dates at Mada Clinic: ................. 2007
I am from Wexford, Ireland, though living in Dublin. I am 26 and just finished teachers college before
I went to Madagascar. I work now in public relations. I have thought about volunteering for the past
two years and last summer I was lucky enough to travel to Madagascar and experience the most
amazing time of my life so far!
Life in the mountains of Maventibao was so different from my usual busy city life where I hardly get
time to think! I just loved the way of life there. The simplicity was beautiful. The people of
Maventibao never ceased to amaze me. They were so welcoming, loving, happy and strong. Even
now when I think of the children there, I smile; they were a dream. So funny! Even though we
couldn't communicate with words, we laughed so much and had so much fun!! They are so clever
and independent. They showed me up on many occasions!!
I set up school for the children while I was there where we learned math, geography, reading and
writing and my favourite singing and dancing! The children were so enthusiastic and I enjoyed
every minute. I hope they did too. I also got to observe different procedures in the clinic which was
great. It is not often you would get the opportunity unless you are in medicine. One of the most
amazing moments of my time there was when I got to assist in the delivery of three babies! I hoped
for one delivery but then we had two in one day and three within one week!! It was crazy!
For future volunteers I would say go there and embrace it. I found it tough at the beginning but by the
end of my four weeks I didn't want to leave. So many lessons are there to be learned. I think
education for the adults is just as important as it is for the children. Basic issues such as hygiene
need to be taught.
Finally, I made some great friends in Maventibao and the times I shared with some of the other
volunteers are not to be forgotten. One of the biggest lessons for me was that though these people
have little they are happy. Always smiling. I hope I gave as much as I got back from my time in
Maventibao.
I am from Wexford, Ireland, though living in Dublin. I am 26 and just finished teachers college before
I went to Madagascar. I work now in public relations. I have thought about volunteering for the past
two years and last summer I was lucky enough to travel to Madagascar and experience the most
amazing time of my life so far!
Life in the mountains of Maventibao was so different from my usual busy city life where I hardly get
time to think! I just loved the way of life there. The simplicity was beautiful. The people of
Maventibao never ceased to amaze me. They were so welcoming, loving, happy and strong. Even
now when I think of the children there, I smile; they were a dream. So funny! Even though we
couldn't communicate with words, we laughed so much and had so much fun!! They are so clever
and independent. They showed me up on many occasions!!
I set up school for the children while I was there where we learned math, geography, reading and
writing and my favourite singing and dancing! The children were so enthusiastic and I enjoyed
every minute. I hope they did too. I also got to observe different procedures in the clinic which was
great. It is not often you would get the opportunity unless you are in medicine. One of the most
amazing moments of my time there was when I got to assist in the delivery of three babies! I hoped
for one delivery but then we had two in one day and three within one week!! It was crazy!
For future volunteers I would say go there and embrace it. I found it tough at the beginning but by the
end of my four weeks I didn't want to leave. So many lessons are there to be learned. I think
education for the adults is just as important as it is for the children. Basic issues such as hygiene
need to be taught.
Finally, I made some great friends in Maventibao and the times I shared with some of the other
volunteers are not to be forgotten. One of the biggest lessons for me was that though these people
have little they are happy. Always smiling. I hope I gave as much as I got back from my time in
Maventibao.
Hi my name is Kim. I volunteered at Maventibao Clinic in Sept 06 for 7 weeks. I am
a registered nurse from Canada. I found that my volunteer experience hugely
impacted my professional & personal life in an extremely positive way. I currently
am working in a hospital and also teaching nursing students at the local university.
I also help prospective volunteers to the clinic get them all the info they need to
have a positive volunteer experience.
Renee Choi ; California, United States; Dates at Mada Clinic: 2007
One month wasn't enough, and I wish I spoke Malagasy. Though I was only in Maventibao for a
month, I learned more in every subject I could possibly have learned in a quarter at school.
Everything was completely spontaneous, whether it would be a slow day, or someone had an
infection so painful and old she might have had to get her foot cut off if she hadn't come to the clinic
in time.
As everyone who's been the the village knows, they need help. A group of people who have learned
to sustain themselves on mining sapphire can't expect to have consistent results. Much like
everything else, people's lives are unpredictable, the only thing we can offer them is dependability.
I chose this photo because I spent a lot of time walking. Walking to outlying villages, going on runs
around our village, following the kids to places I would not have otherwise seen, and walking
around to do what little my arms could to maintain the road. It was therapeutic amongst a myriad of
other things.
Renee Choi
Hunger Project at UCLA
Executive Director
405 A Kerckhoff Hall
www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/hunger
One month wasn't enough, and I wish I spoke Malagasy. Though I was only in Maventibao for a
month, I learned more in every subject I could possibly have learned in a quarter at school.
Everything was completely spontaneous, whether it would be a slow day, or someone had an
infection so painful and old she might have had to get her foot cut off if she hadn't come to the clinic
in time.
As everyone who's been the the village knows, they need help. A group of people who have learned
to sustain themselves on mining sapphire can't expect to have consistent results. Much like
everything else, people's lives are unpredictable, the only thing we can offer them is dependability.
I chose this photo because I spent a lot of time walking. Walking to outlying villages, going on runs
around our village, following the kids to places I would not have otherwise seen, and walking
around to do what little my arms could to maintain the road. It was therapeutic amongst a myriad of
other things.
Renee Choi
Hunger Project at UCLA
Executive Director
405 A Kerckhoff Hall
www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/hunger
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