INTRODUCTION:
In support of the agenda of the government of Sierra Leone to reduce/minimize and prevent high rate of maternal and infant mortality in Sierra Leone, the Director of the Reproductive and Child Health of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation extended a formal invitation in February 2019 to Dr. Douglas McMullan and his group from the University of California for a teaching opportunity for the School of Midwifery BO on the TOPICS :HELPING BABIES BREATH and HELPING MOTHERS SURVIVE (PREELAMPSIA AND ECLAMPSIA) in March 2019.
This invitation was honored by Dr Douglas McMullan and his Team who came from the University of California USA with six medical Doctors as Tutors , a nurse and Midwife who is well experience in Midwifery and has done 2,000,(two thousand deliveries).
ATTENDANCE:
From the University of CALIFONIA
- Douglas Mcullian
- Eric Wecker & Stella
- Betty Patterson
- Aron Zaks
- Amanda Mooneyham
- Sarah Madsen
- Elder Moomey
- Joshua Maisy
From CARITAS BO/ SCHOOL OF MIDWIFERY BO (SoMBo)
- The Director – Mr David Yambasu
- The Head Of School- Sr. Patricia Mokowa
- Program Coordinator-Mr Thomas Jonny
- School Administrator – Dolly Williams
- Tutor SOMBO – Sr. Hawanatur Bakarr
- Turtor SOMBO- Sr. Veronica Bull
- Tutor SOMBO- Velma Cole
- Tutor SOMBO- Fatmata Dakowa
- School Chaplain- Rev Fr Kawa
- IT Tutor – Ira McCarthy.
TRAINING SESSION
The student were grouped six to a table; each with a facilitator or Tutor. The following methodologies were applied:
- Lecture method
- Brain storming
- Demonstrations
- Working in peers.
- Examination
- Results and issuing of Certificates.
At the end of the training the students sat to an examination to test their understanding.
A ceremony of certification was organized by the School Administrator where the Director and the six facilitators gave out the certificates to deserving students who passed the exams on the first topic Helping Babies Breath. The Occasion was climaxed with a donation made by one of the facilitators who has done two thousand deliveries. She donated seven stethoscopes for the Schools skilled Lab.
The same methodology was used for the last two days of the training in Helping Mothers Survive (Preeclampsia and eclampsia)
Another exam was conducted for this topic. The facilitators/tutors marked the papers and results were submitted to the School Administrator. The following learning and teaching materials were donated to the School:
- Learners Book for the School – 23 Copies
- Teaching Power Points – 3 standing copies
- Teaching Posters – 49 copies.
- Neonatalie boxes – 8 and 8 bags
- Training Posters
- Three facilitators Flip Chart
- Ambu bags (Two) for the baby.
Another certification ceremony was conducted. The training ended with a joyful song on the topic HELPING BABIES BREATH AND HELPING MOTHERS SURVIVE by the Students.