SAMM is a faith-based organization with a focus on development initiatives. The farm was purchased and is being developed to provide sustainable initiatives to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Mucombeze. Some examples of the major programs include elementary school, lunch program for school children, health clinics, sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, economic development for women (through learning of new skills – sewing, crafts, small business initiatives), community health education, orphan home development. The school and health initiatives are planned and implemented in partnership with local and regional government. For example, the SAMM elementary school is a satellite classroom of the Mucombeze School, serving children who live up to 20 kilometers away from Mucombeze School, their closest school. The health posts are developed and staffed by Mozambican trained health workers, following the guidelines of all Mozambican health posts, with monthly statistics and reporting going to the health department in Manica. The two health posts are situated in remote areas, and are providing accessible health care to a population who would otherwise need to walk up to 50 kilometers to the nearest health post.
The mission directors, Dwight and Lynn Lagore, are actively involved in these programs, training the Mozambican teachers, health care workers, and orphan home leaders (as well as all SAMM workers in the wide range of initiatives) in best practice, holistic methods. Lynn is a Canadian trained nurse, registered in Alberta, with years of experience in tropical medicine and community health. Both are excellent teachers, and are open and eager to work with us on a daily basis. With each interaction we have with this highly qualified pair, we are learning about cultural and health practices, economic and political realities, community development strategies, and the resulting impact on the ability to build capacity in health. Though we’ve only been with them for a week, we know that we will miss them tremendously when it is time to leave the farm.
The mission directors, Dwight and Lynn Lagore, are actively involved in these programs, training the Mozambican teachers, health care workers, and orphan home leaders (as well as all SAMM workers in the wide range of initiatives) in best practice, holistic methods. Lynn is a Canadian trained nurse, registered in Alberta, with years of experience in tropical medicine and community health. Both are excellent teachers, and are open and eager to work with us on a daily basis. With each interaction we have with this highly qualified pair, we are learning about cultural and health practices, economic and political realities, community development strategies, and the resulting impact on the ability to build capacity in health. Though we’ve only been with them for a week, we know that we will miss them tremendously when it is time to leave the farm.
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