No 5, 2009 PDF - Swedish Match

Solstickan
who built up and worked at the clinic in the 1970s
and 1980s, and all of those who have worked on a
voluntary basis over the years, the clinic’s team is
stronger than ever. Two doctors practice, sometimes
round the clock, together with two nurses and one
assistant. Despite threats and uncertainty from the
outside, they refuse to leave the camp and the clinic.
Recently, many donors have made it possible to
further develop the clinic and wages can now be paid.
“Money and contributions to finance the
operation are of course a constant challenge.
Solstickan’s money benefited the clinic at a decisive
phase,” says Monzer El-Sabini, coordinator between
Swedish aid organizations, the clinic and the refugee
camp.
“Solstickan’s contribution was enough to keep
the operation going for four months, August until
November 2008. There was great uncertainty about the
clinic’s future financing. Now it is solved and it seems to
work out for 2009.”
But how maintaining courage and keeping strength
up to go on working incessantly? El-Sabini says that the
strength comes from the opportunity and freedom to act
and do something good for someone else.
32 inside | may 2009
The Al Shifa clinic team
with Dr Tawfiq Asad.
“Being there and channeling contributions and aid,
such as that from Solstickan, and then seeing the result
brings motivation. The result means small but still slightly
improved living standards. By supporting those who are
having difficulty, we create unity. It’s a small contribution,
but I think it means a lot. Every individual has a responsibility
to make a difference. I want to look myself in the eye knowing
that I do what I can to be a good human being” *
“Everyone
has a responsibility
to make a
difference”
Photo: louise thorn
Photo: bo hÅKansson