The final exam for the second year nursing students was in November
2006, after which the technical committee met to evaluate the first two
years of study, and to discuss their strong and weak points.
The theme verse at SEFAM’s executive meeting in December 2006 was
Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Here they
discussed the problem of the inadequate number of nurses at SALFA
health facilities, along with the absence of continuing education for
the SALFA nurses.
Because of this, they set an objective of formulating a strategic plan
for augmenting by 40% the number of paramedical personnel at SALFA
health facilities by the year 2010.
This year of 2007, classes resumed for the third year students on 8
January. Their practical experience has been partitioned into four
periods:
- 5 February to 2 March 2007
- 23 April to 18 May 2007
- 18 June to 27 July 2007
- 19 August to 30 September 2007
There are also times for theoretical classes, vacation, and exams,
with final exams taking place before their graduation the end of
October 2007.
The different health facilities where the student nurses are taking
their practical experience are at Andranomadio Lutheran Hospital, the
Regional Reference Hospital of Vakinankaratra, AVE MARIA Maternity,
Antsinanatsena and Ambalavato dispensaries. All of these health
centers are located within the city limits of Antsirabe.
The student nurses have also had the opportunity to visit traditional
birth attendants at Ambatotsipihina, Mangalaza, and Ambohitompoina,
rural communities all within a 100 kilometer radius from Antsirabe.
Written and oral exams for the next nursing class will take place
later in 2007.
Special visitors during 2006 included the following:
Mr. HANS Frederik LEHN, Norwegian ambassador in Madagascar
Pastor Bjorn-Eddy ANDERSEN, Chairperson for the Norwegian Mission
Society in Madagascar
Marlene Truss and Lee Moran, donors and representives for CBM
Rebecca Felter, US Roger and Candy HOLSING, companion synod representatives from the
Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod in the US
Permanent personnel at SEFAM include:
- Mrs. RAVELOMANANTSOA Arlette, Midwife and Nursing Supervisor
- Mr. RAKOTOMANANA Guy Honorius Flavien, Classroom Supervisor
- Mr. HERINIAINA Tianjanahary, Secretary
- Dr. RAZAONANDRIANINA Julie Olga, Director
Support personnel include:
- Mrs. RASAIZAFY Alice, Student housemother
- Mrs. R. Louise, Cook
- Mr. RAKOTOZAFY Théodore, Environment manager