Surf Board 5

After a short visit to the Bali office, the NZAID KOHA-PICD review team with Dr. Hillary Smith, Professor Stephen Haslett and Sally Sanderson, paid a five-day visit to SurfAid’s Community Based Health Program (CBHP) in the Mentawai.

The main focus was on the relationship with the stakeholders at community level and with the government, and to verify first-hand the working conditions of our staff in those remote locations.

Because of the short time in the field, and the unpredictable weather conditions this time of the year, the Quiksilver Community Health Training Centre at Katiet and the surrounding villages looked like the most appropriate place to visit.

Next to meeting with Care Groups and Representative Village Groups, the high point of the visit was the hand-washing activity organized by the school students and teachers of the Bosua primary school.

After a welcome dance, the students proudly showed their colorful drawings with topics ranging from basic hygiene to living in a healthy environment.