What happens when the wisdom of a retired senior bank manager, the enthusiasm of a teenage volunteer, the skills of a voluntary doctor, a supportive school staff and a needy set of children come together? A perfect model of Doctor-at-School
Today, Namita and I did the introductory session at Chunchunghatta Government School (Konanakunte). The team we have at this school is ideal and going forward, I am certain it will be a good example of how this program is meant to run. The team members are:
Weekday volunteer: Mr. Venkatesh Murthy, retired senior bank manager
Weekend volunteer: Sameer, just passed 10th std
Doctor at School: Dr. Harsha, General Practitioner who runs a clinic very close to the school
DFS Cluster Coordinator: Namita
Screening at this school will take place every Friday afternoon, and both volunteers have agreed to accompany and assist the doctor. While the doctor offered to see children any time at his clinic(in addition to school screening), volunteer Mr. Murthy offered to donate his weighing scale since the school didn’t have one, and an interesting offer was made by volunteer Sameer saying “I finish college early on Fridays, and instead of playing in the ground, I’ll come and volunteer at the school”
This school has 300 students and a very cooperative school staff. Quoting the HM “We teachers, many a time, play doctors, police, parents and various other roles which are outside of our given responsibility”. She was referring to the case of a young child whose mother left her, whose father is an alcoholic and whose grandmother couldn’t care less about basic things like feeding this child. In such situations, it is the teachers who step in and help the child.
It struck me that the doctor’s clinic was so close to the school and such a mapping should have happened long ago. Not to forget these sincere volunteers who are so ready to help out should have been part of the school much before. However, it is good to know that at least we now have a platform to bring these people together and truly make a difference.
As we go forward, each of you can play a very important role in the schools where you decide to volunteer. Come forward, and let us know when you wish to get started and we’ll map you to a school closest to your area of preference.
You can write to info@doctorsforseva.org to get started.
