|
|
 |
| Mauritania, december 2008 |
|
by Sister yvonne Grupetta, translation sr Gemma Farrugua
1959 – 2009 : 50 Years in Mauritania.
In this Jubilee year we would like to underline some signs of hope emerging from our different works, in spite of dark and difficult situations. Looking at these little glimmers of lights means looking for the undoubted signs of the Spirit who proceeds us and who we believe is at work in the heart of his children, young and old, whom we encounter in our daily life.
At the Training Centre our Srs Marie de Lourdes Ku Thu Ma Ti and Helena Lee help about 20 young girls ( 14 – 22 years ) They do not just form train them in a career, but they also give them a certain education, that unfortunately these girls often lack at home. This is the case of Fatimatou, a 15 year old girl. She came to the Centre 3 years ago. At first she was a frustrated girl, loving to idle in the streets. By time the Sisters showed interest in her. They paid regular visits to her family , visiting in turns her mother and her grand- mother where the girl lives. In fact she was a girl torn between two upbringings, without solid basis and thus very unstable. Bit by bit her regular attendance, coupled with her desire to learn, helped her to gain her stability. She is now anxious to continue her formation to be able to earn her living. However, one must say that the majority of girls come just to learn a trade and are eager to produce nice things for sale, so as to help their families, who often live in precarious situations. It is important to encourage them and show them trust in their capacity to progress. Their smile is a light showing hope in the future.
AT THE NATONAL HOSPITAL
Sr Marie Pierre attends Hospital every morning. She works in the Burnings Unit, caring for adults and infants. After 7 years of discreet presence she is well known by Nurses and Doctors in the surgery as a collaborator. Besides collaboration there is a certain respect regarding culture and religion. At present Sister has under her care 5 cases ; 2 men, 2 women and a 10 year- old little boy. On the whole, in spite of the poverty, the sick are resigned and accept care. They bear their suffering with great dignity. Their faith in God helps them to commend their life into his hands. The other family members are preoccupied at the crucial situation of their dear ones. Besides it often happens that they have no, or little, means to assure necessary treatment. Sister pays great attention to these needy persons, and makes sure that they too are well cared for. Their faces light up in spite of their suffering…
As for Sr Yvonne Gruppetta she works with a team of CARITAS ( 3 men and 2 Mauritanian women ) Their efforts are focused in a Project to help Feminine groups. Sister is involved in accompanying groups of women ( 5 – 10 persons ) living in slum areas, in their efforts to raise funds. Before addressing the public they are initiated in their role : different types of formation are offered to them according to their needs, and thus further their capacity : they are helped to overcome their illiteracy, in simple accounts, in sewing, in gardening and in the art of dying material known as Batik . During the year 25 Co-operatives were grouped in a UNION . These women reflect together and share experiences. Many have a dynamic personality and help each other to get on in life. Just to give you an idea: Let us visit Zeinabou in a slum area. Sr Yvonne is accompanied by a supervisor. Zeinabou is one of the 6 women who received a formation . She is now responsible for 15 women in her area. She is the President of the Co-operative engaged in the dying of veils which they sell in shops. Besides this responsibility Zeinabou has on her own initiative, become a teacher and by gathers little street children 3- 6 years old, whose parents work leaving the kids abandoned to themselves A glance at her class – a hovel 4 metres square made of wood and metal sheets - you see about 57 children huddled together on the floor. They are taught singing. They look radiant, for they happy that some one cares for them.
Indeed, through the courage of such women, one can say, in a general way, that women themselves are becoming more and more an instrument of progress, and a hope in the development of their country.
|
|
|
|
