Our Projects and Activities ...
In simple terms, Positive Steps is all about bridging the gap between what the state can offer and what other charities in the area can offer such as Africa Burns Relief and 500 Miles (see Working with others).
Each year we plan and undertake a number of projects, which in turn contain activities that can make a real difference to the provision of healthcare and the well-being of people of Nkhoma, and its surrounding area, in Malawi. Our most recent project plan outlines what we believe are the right things to do in 2014/15, but still allows us to be flexible and responsive when other things need to be focussed upon. See this years Projects and Activities.
Updates on these projects will be available through our News page as they become available, as well as in our blog or on Facebook.
However, it is also good to look back at some of the work that has been done so far, which inspires us moving forward ... Here are some of the success stories that we are proud to have been involved in so far ...
| Ellen ... Ellen Weluzani has been part of the Positive Steps story for some years and as she grows she requires new prosthesis. When taken to a shop to get new shoes, Mark (Nkhoma Hospital Physiotherapist) said she 'could choose any shoes she wanted', what a thing to say to a girl! She went straight to the high heeled strappy sandels, sadly we had to steer her in the direction of the childrens shoes! Grisella lost her right lower leg as a result of severe infection; she now has prosthesis and suitable shoes. Seveliano Mtenji and Loveness Kasambe have also benefitted from suitable prosthesis and shoes. |  Ellen with her new shoes... |
 | Victor ... Victor ... (3 months old in this photo) sustained severe burns when he and his older brother fell into an open fire. As a result of his injuries he has lost part of his right foot. He continues to need new prosthesis and to be measured for specialist shoes, requiring regular re-fits as he grows. This is an on-going commitment for Positive Steps. Keep an eye on the blog to and Facebook to update on his progress. |
Providing the monthly PS ambulance to Lilongwe ...
 | The Positive Steps Ambulance, with Ellen on one of her trips to the hospital ... (photo by Paolo Patruno) |
... Currently the need remains, to provide regular provision of the PS funded monthly ambulance to Lilongwe for patients to access specialist treatment, for the review and renewal of prosthetics or on-going burns assessment in order to maintain the health, well being and mobility of those identified as being in need. This on-going activity that has been sustained since 2011 and is planned to remain a sustainable PS commitment in conjunction with Nkhoma hospital. Costs are approximately £1200 per year.
 | Positive Steps has been funding the creation of specialist cerebral palsy chairs. Each chair is specifically made by the local carpenter to ensure that the children receive the right support to maintain an upright posture. |  |
When Jane Cherry met Sankhulani, whilst in Malawi, he was dragging himself along the ground like a crab following poor management of burns to his knee. He now stands tall again thanks to a great surgical team at CURE International and funding from Africa Burn Relief and Positive Steps. Jane Cherry said "I feel so very proud of Positive Steps, what has been achieved for people and by the fund raising efforts that make it all possible, thank you". |  |
 | Positive Steps established a link between Portesham Primary School in Dorset and Nguluwe School to raise money for a new school building. The school buildings now complete. |
Case Study ... Gadson is an eight year old boy orphan, brought to Nkhoma Hospital with severe injuries as a result of abuse from his aunt and uncle. They tied him up with wire, put him in a sack and hoisted him up into a tree for four days. When they returned and found him still alive the aunt took him to Nkhoma hospital. Thankfully the staff at the hospital informed the authorities and the aunt and uncle have since been sent to prison. Gadson has received an above knee amputation as his leg was gangrenous. This is where Positive Steps comes in as we were able to fund this surgery and all ongoing care associated with his amputation. This includes things like paying for transportation to enable him to access care from the charity 500 Miles for a prosthetic limb, shoes and any further corrective surgery; as well as check ups as he grows.
We have since heard that UNHCR are likely to take responsibility of Gadson as he is offically a refugee from Burundi. They will ensure he continues to receive all necessary treatments and will place him with a foster family. On checking how he was doing we received this comment from David Morton - Director of Nkhoma Hospital ... 'He is much happier, in fact I'm afraid that despite losing his leg, his experience in Nkhoma with all the love and care, is probably the best he has ever had'.
Gadson's Smiles ... with his carers at Nkhoma Hospital
Sponsored Poster ... Positive Steps sponsored the printing of this poster, kindly designed for free by Bob Burns. The new block in Nkhoma hospital was built with flushing toilets, but many of the patients are only used to pit latrines. This poster reminds them that a flushing toilet cannot be used to dump other waste, which is essential in maintaining the system in working order and improving sanitation at the hospital. |  |
 | Panganani is a 13 year old boy who was admitted to Nkhoma Hospital in early 2014 with a snake bite on the leg, which was quite severe. Fortunately for Panganani, the hospital had some anti-venom, but he still required an operation (fasciotomy of the leg) to prevent the need to amputate the limb. However, the bill was large, totaling Mk 86,670 (about £135) of which Panganani’s family could only find Mk 25,500, leaving a balance of Mk 51,170 (about £80). Positive Steps was able to pay for the remainder of this care that prevented an amputation! After 47 days hospitalization, Panganani (pictured here) was able to walk out (on both legs!) thanks to generous donations to Positive Steps. |
