The Gretta Foundation

2012-02-08T19:55:00.001-08:00

Did you attend our last Poker Tournament? Well, it is that time again! We had such a great time, we are doing it again.

Saturday, March 3rd, 5-6 Check-in and Free Instruction
6-10pm - Let the games begin!

... Also - Great Food and Drinks!

St. Timothy’s Parish Hall
1550 Diablo Road, Danville, California 94526
Buy-in: $60
Re-buys: $20 / Add-on: $20 / Table Sponsorship: $200
The Gretta Foundation grettafoundation.org

Increasing the global nurseforce through full nursing scholarships.
Donate grettafoundation.org

Include "Poker Tournament" on the form.
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Donate - The Gretta Foundation

www.grettafoundation.org

2012-02-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

happy new year to you,
we resumed lectures on 30th of January, and we are already having
lectures seriously.
The results for last semester are not yet out because the university
staff was busy with graduation preparations during the holiday, i will
send the results as soon as they are out.
i left the home people fine, no one was sick, and they sent you greetings.
Evelyn and Dorothy got us a house for the Gretta scholars and we have
already moved in. We are comfortable, and the place is near school. i
would love to thank you for the new house.

with lots of love,

~ A Gretta Scholar

2011-12-28T15:45:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful Holiday. We wanted to share with you a wonderful article that was written about The Gretta Foundation. Please read and enjoy!

http://www.danvilleexpress.com/news/show_story.php?id=6897&e=y

2011-12-20T19:09:00.001-08:00

Our Scholars are finishing up for the holidays and sending us updates. It is always exciting to hear from them. Please look out for more updates!

“How are you and how is everyone at home there? Otherwise I am fine and only busy doing the end of semester examination. I only want to wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks a lot for all the support and care you are rendering to us, we really appreciate it. Bye for the moment and greetings to all.” Gretta Scholar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I have almost come to the end of this semester. Next week am beginning exams and am reading hard for better results. This semester we have been very busy and i have gained much experience which is a bit different from clinical experience which I have gained in the previous academic years. I had administration and leadership placement in Butabika psychiatry hospital where I was able to interact with the nurse in-charge. This helped learn leadership responsibilities, planning, organizing, monitoring and evaluation while a manager in an organisation.

I also had domiciliary practice where one is supposed to book a pregnant woman from antenatal clinic ,conduct her labour, discharge the mother, go with her home and nurse her plus the baby for 7 days after delivery( I did 3 cases).All at a free fee. It needed handwork and time but all in all it was fun!!.

Finally we had community health nursing. This time round we moved from hospital setting to people's homes. We had community practice in Mpigi district which is found on Masaka-Mbarara road. We health educated people in their families and communities.

Much love to u as u sleep tonight, may u sleep like a newborn.” Gretta Scholar

2011-12-20T19:01:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone! We are very pleased to announce that we have a brand new website! It looks wonderful, please check it out! Let us know what you think.

http://www.grettafoundation.org/

“News of home and Uganda”

2011-09-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

“News of home and Uganda”

We came back from holidays, unfortunately I fell sick, I was diagnosed with malaria, given treatment and I'm fine now I got this malaria from the village when I went to visit grand dad. Otherwise the holiday was wonderful. I volunteered in some hospital for some time, and then mum requested me to help do some things at home.

It's the rainy season and my region; in eastern Uganda in Bulambuli district near the slopes of Mt. Elgon. We still experienced landslides. This time 29 people were buried, including babies, animals, and so many plantations destroyed. None of my relatives were affected though this region is occupied by people of my tribe. Hundreds of homes were destroyed by floods, and government plan to relocate all people in this area though it is taking long. The government and other organizations is also providing them with food in camps since all their crops and animals were destroyed.

Also there are so many demonstrations taking place, teachers, medical workers and different other social groups are complaining of the little pay since there is increased inflation in the country…Prices for all commodities and services have gone up, most of them have doubled. I don't know where we are heading

Gretta Scholar

2011-08-07T21:20:00.002-07:00

Conflict survivor. Abducted by rebel forces and escaped after 8 years in captivity.

I am so grateful to send you this mail. I have finished my exams today and will be going for holidays back to Gulu soon. It was a busy year and at last come to the end of first year. I am so grateful for all the support you are giving me. I send my greetings to you and everyone. Gretta Scholar 2^nd year.

2011-08-07T21:20:00.001-07:00

AIDS orphan from village called Buuobot Ochi up-country Uganda.

We have come to the end of the academic 2010/2011 and would like to send my sincere gratitude to the almighty God for all the care and protection he has always been giving us. Secondly I would like to bring to your notice that the semester has been very fine and we have finished all the examinations and will give you results as soon as they are ready. I would love to request you and all the other donors to continue giving us the help that we need to see us through our education. We are grateful to all of you. Wishing you all the best in whatever you do. Gretta Scholar 2^nd year.

2011-08-07T21:19:00.003-07:00

Daughter of peasant farmers from Mbale, Uganda.

I hope you are fine over there. I have just finished my last exam for this semester…It has been a long semester with a lot of work, however, I have successfully completed my results for the whole academic year.
This scholarship has helped to achieve my career of being a nurse. I am now seeing this bright feature ahead of me. During the semester, we had two months in class and two months practicing what we learnt in class on the ward. For what I learnt and practiced this semester, I feel I am a professional.
In Mulago Hospital, I was able to:

· work on the special care unit where I learnt how to take care of newborn babies who have conditions asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome.

· take care of patients who have undergone surgery and those who are to go for surgery, also to deal with an emergency condition on the surgical ward. Patients on this ward have conditions like; intestinal obstruction, fractures, large wound with gangrene, even some cancer patients after surgery. This reminded me of the nurse who inspired me to be a nurse in my childhood. she actually died of breast cancer.

· take care of patients with infectious diseases, basing on the principles of infection control, including barrier nursing. These patients include tuberculosis patients, tetanus patients, HIV patients with opportunistic infections due to very low immunity.

· take care of malnourished children.

· carry out the regular immunization against the six killer diseases for the children below 5 year. I also I did vaccine management.

· carry out all the family planning methods in Uganda. These included inserting Norplant, intrauterine devices, oral contraceptives, injectable s, giving out condoms, and lastly giving health talks and counseling clients on matters of reproduction.

· I was also able to carry out cervical cancer screening on this ward.

I am proud to be a nurse, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you " MEG" and all those who are generously contributing all that they offer to support this programme. You are really improving health care in our country. You cannot imagine that at the moment, you find only 3 nurses on a ward of about 90 patients in our main referral hospital. I tell you the situation is so demanding here. We the students whom you are supporting now are ready to work and improve the image quality and quantity of nursing care in Uganda.

I will be leaving for holidays next week, i intend to work with some organisation in our home district where they particularly deal with HIV and Tuberculosis patients. This is to improve on my nursing career and to also keep me busy during the long holiday as I give back to my society what I have learnt. I will be up dating you of what will be happening to me.

With lots of love.

2011-08-07T21:19:00.001-07:00

Long-time HIV program volunteer from Masaka.

I really apologise for the long time minus any communication from me but I have been a little caught up with my program where I have been preparing for my end of academic year exams, however I have completed my final paper today.

Meg, I would love to take this opportunity to thank you more for being in my life as my parent and more like a mother to me. Please thank you very much for the endless support you offer to me every time day and minute. Now I’m completing my 2nd year of study I and my family are very happy and proud of you and your mercy of all people to grant me this opportunity.

I really don't know how much I should express my sincere gratitude to you but to me very day is a change in my life because of your support and I will always say thank you. I have now started seeing my dreams come true and I really like it when I get opportunity to help the sick in hospitals and at-least do something in their lives.

PLEASE KEEP UP THAT SPIRIT IN YOU. GOD KNOWS HOW PRECIOUS HE WILL PAY YOU. Gretta Scholar 3^rd year.

2011-08-07T21:18:00.001-07:00

Conflict survivor with widowed mother in Gulu.

I just want to say I am so grateful for all you have done to me in all aspect of life. From where I was not making any step you pull to make steps. Where I was not seeing any better life, you made me to see, where and what I did believe you made me to believe. You supported me always and you are beside me to make sure that everything goes on well as far as academic and our well-being issues are concerned. The semester went on well with nothing bad. The exams was not all that bad and even the test was also fair. I wanted to say a word before we depart for the holidays and not forgetting to send you regards from my family's members especially my mum who said THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR SUPPORT. May the Lord bless you.

THANKS…..Gretta Scholar 2^nd year.

2011-08-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

We are starting to get news from our scholars! It is a very exciting time for them. Please read and enjoy the posts below. Keep them in your thoughts.

Daughter of widow living in urban Kampala.

I know it has been so long since you got updates from me, my apologies! I am on holiday now. I am back during this long break.

Mum always gets teary eyed whenever she talks about my progress in school and how grateful she is for Gretta foundation; for she can now be able to support my siblings who are still in school too without having to worry about me. This might sound funny, but, surprisingly she has put on a little weight. Thank you for the great work you are doing. My family really appreciates!

As I had earlier on told you, we did several clinical-specialty courses and practicum last semester. Nursing specialties define the complexity of nursing as a profession. Here knowledge and proficiency are required, for example, in oncology and cardiology nursing. This opened my eyes as to why we need baccalaureate training of nurses. I found almost all areas intriguing after we rotated in different specialist departments and institutes. Hospice Uganda is one of the best hospices in Africa.

I learned that it is important for a patient to receive care from a confident nurse. I have also learned to serve, love and care however much complex the patient's condition is. As a matter of fact, I always take a minute or two to explain the important work nurses do whenever I encounter people who do not understand or understate what nursing is.

I was among our university representatives this year on the International Nurses Day celebrations at Butabika hospital. As I reflected upon those events I am inspired by how you (the TGF team) joined efforts to make me become part of the national nurses workforce, which is no doubt, the back bone of Uganda’s healthcare delivery system.

I am so much looking forward to my final year, especially the research project.

Thank you, and the team for seeing me through the previous academic year. I cannot go without saying I am a proud Gretta scholar!

Warm regards…..Gretta Scholar 4^th year.

2011-06-16T22:13:00.001-07:00

"Hope life is good. We stared examinations on Monday and we will be finishing next week on Friday then break for holidays till August. The semester has been generally good though very long but am happy because next semester I will be starting my final academic year meaning very soon if all goes well I will be a qualified nurse!! Unbelievable but true. God bless u. Miss u dear." ~ Gretta Scholar

2011-04-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

There is a big PARTY in Lafayette TONIGHT! Will you be there????

http://www.grettafoundation.org/

2011-04-25T16:19:00.001-07:00

You decide... A Royal Wedding or the Vagina Monologues and helping a Gretta Scholars. Monologues of course!!

http://www.grettafoundation.org/

2011-04-23T08:50:00.001-07:00

We are also fine and also very busy in the hospital and at different wards…It's really a pleasure that I'm seeing most of the conditions on a new ward, never seen before and I'm aiming at knowing how to best manage these conditions for example respiratory distress new borne and how to save these babies lives…Send my regards to all family members, Janet and

others. GOODBYE Gretta Scholar

2011-04-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to buy your ticket, it is going to be a great show!

The Vagina Monologues will be here soon!
April 29 & 30, 8pm
Town Hall Theatre Company
3535 School Street
Lafayette, CA 94549

http://www.grettafoundation.org/

2011-04-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

SUNDAY APRIL 17TH ~ 4-7 PM
Come out for a Gretta Event! Enjoy an enchanted evening reception with wine and appetizers surrounded by spring flowers Tassajara Nursery. Fountains are 50% off. A percentage of all sales go to The Gretta Foundation.
2550 Camino Tassajara, Danville

2011-04-14T19:27:00.001-07:00

The Vagina Monologues will be here soon!
April 29 & 30, 8pm
Town Hall Theatre Company
3535 School Street
Lafayette, CA 94549
Tickets: General Admission: $35
http://www.grettafoundation.org/vday.htm

2011-04-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is why we do what we do. Please read this wonderful email a second year Gretta Scholar.

Thank you all for your good work. Stay inspired because lives are being empowered and lives saved because of all you do to support Gretta's mission.

"It´s long ever since i wrote to you. With hope that you are fine, i am fine too.
I am already in my clinical practice by two weeks. It is my pleasure to inform you that this week in my ward i have saved the life of a very young malnourished beautiful girl(one and a half years also HIV positive) whose mother died last week on Tuesday due to HIV infection. She was being taken care of by the aunt who also has her own child to take care of. This baby had profuse diarrhoea and vomiting and i identified that the problem was poor hygiene. I held a health talk about proper hygiene with the caretaker,monitored her closely and today i am a proud nurse when i tell you that the diarrhoea and vomiting had stopped by yesterday evening. I realised that life can be saved, not only by medication but also by word of mouth. I also realise that, more than ever, i love my job and i enjoy it. I will fore ever be grateful to the Gretta foundation for supporting me to make my dream come true. Thank you very much for supporting me and, please may you continue supporting me. With much love from;" ~ A Gretta Scholar

2011-04-12T19:42:00.001-07:00

The Vagina Monologues will be here soon!
April 29 & 30, 8pm
Town Hall Theatre Company
3535 School Street
Lafayette, CA 94549
Tickets: General Admission: $35
http://www.grettafoundation.org/vday.htm

2011-04-12T19:40:00.001-07:00

Hello All. It is Easter break and our scholars are checking in to share stories and give their thanks. We are so proud of our scholars and their hard work. Thank you for all your support!

Meg Styles

President and Founder

2011-04-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

"How is United States? I just want to send regards to everyone there. I am fine, study is going well and everything is okay. Also receive regards from my family. As we are in the Easter period may GOD bless.

We are missing you!" ~ Gretta Scholar

2011-04-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Time is flying by! We'd like to take a minute to reflect on two recent and exciting developments:

1. Our first annual Year In Review newsletter is now complete! Check out this interactive flip book for a recap of TGF's 2010 accomplishments, scholar and donor profiles, a list of donors, and a hint of what's new for 2011.

2. TGF has its first graduate!
Ruth just graduated with a baccalaureate degree in nursing from The Aga Khan University in Kampala, Uganda. In Ruth's own words, "I would have cheated myself if I did not extend my sincere thanks to the entire foundation for your support. Currently I was given added responsibility of spearheading the mentorship program for nurses at the Institute...so that I can build my career and be able to mentor other nurses in provision of quality care for our patients. Once again I say thank you!"

Thank you all. We at TGF couldn't reach these milestones without your support!

Meg Styles

2011-03-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

"The two months we have been in class have been the most challenging since ever since I started the course, I have 8 subjects that have all so demanding more so that I want to improve my grades to some better level that last semester's level. I am now through with class work and now on the ward for the next two months.

I do not know when you are coming o visit us, let me hope it is soon. I feel good when you come, the things you tell us are all inspiring. Thanks so much for struggling to provide for us, I have never forgotten my mission in this scholarship, I read day and night for the best." ~ Gretta Scholar

2011-03-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Vagina Monologues will be here soon!
April 29 & 30, 8pm
Town Hall Theatre Company
3535 School Street
Lafayette, CA 94549
Tickets: General Admission: $35
http://www.grettafoundation.org/vday.htm

2011-03-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

We hope to see you at our event this Sunday! It will be a lot of fun, please come out a enjoy some Jewels and Wine!

"Jewels and Wine - How Divine"
3-7pm Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Vine at Bridges in Danville, CA ~ 480 Hartz Avenue
Enjoy free appetizers and a great deal on wine while enjoying a private showcasing of beautiful Just Galls by Deb Lazar jewelry. 20% of all jewelry sales go to The Gretta Foundation.
Hope to see you there!

2011-03-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

We have a really exciting event coming up this Sunday!
"Jewels and Wine - How Divine"
3-7pm Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Vine at Bridges in Danville, CA ~ 480 Hartz Avenue
Enjoy free appetizers and a great deal on wine while enjoying a private showcasing of beautiful Just Galls by Deb Lazar jewelry. 20% of all jewelry ...sales go to The Gretta Foundation.
Hope to see you there!

Exciting Gretta News!

2011-02-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

The Gretta Foundation is very proud to announce that we have our first Graduate!

"Ruth is our first graduating Gretta Scholar. This is very exciting and we should all be very proud of her and ourselves because none of this would be possible if it weren’t for all of you and everything that you do for TGF and our scholars. This is just wonderful! My most heartfelt thanks to all." ~ Message from our Founder

‎"I would have cheated myself if I do not extend my sincere thanks to you the entire foundation for your support that enabled me achieve my BScN degree this month. I have already started putting the knowledge and skills acquired into use. Currently I was given added responsbility of spearheading the mentorship program for nurses at the Institute. Once again I say thank you. God bless" ~ Ruth ~ First Gretta Graduate

Another Goodbye to Uganda

2010-04-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

April 12, 2010

Well I can't let Tania get the last word. So let me use it to extend my heartfelt "thanks" to Tania for her wonderful company and brilliant support during this incredible trip. I enjoyed all her blogging and vibrant storytelling which so faithfully brought our travels to others.

She was a real trooper and was gracious and generous in spirit and in deed. I can never thank her enough.

It has been a long time since we were discussing TGF over two years ago and we have come a long way since then. It looks like things are coming together and we have made important progress and it feels terrific sharing these times with my wonderful friend.

I'd also like to our Gretta family at home for all their continued commitment. You were with us in spirit...sans the jetlag and mosquitoes.

And thank you also to our extended family in Uganda. Everyone there is even more passionate about this work and the support is palpable. I am humbled and blessed.

Well, we are halfway home as I write this. We are so excited to see our families. Because of them taking care of business at home, we were able to take care of business abroad.

Much love to all.

-Meg

Saying Goodbye to Uganda

2010-04-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 11

I am sitting in our plane on the tarmac at Entebbe Airport. I am sad to leave Uganda. Above all else, the people are beautiful. When you take a moment to say hello, you get the warmest smile and heartfelt greeting. Ugandans seem to have an inner peace and grace. "You are welcome" is the greeting you receive and they truly mean it. Even the children possess these qualities. As I mentioned previously, driving is a real adventure yet I didn't see one person yelling or using a rude gesture.

What was really different for me on this trip was being such an obvious outsider. We were often the only white people in sight. On our road trip back from Katonga, which was several hours long, I saw only three groups of white people on the main road. One thing that has been funny is that Meg and I keep getting mistaken for sisters. This morning we were asked if we were twins; we both had a good laugh. I guess we all look the same! I did scare a couple of children today when their parents tried to get them to sit next to me! All kidding aside, although a curiosity at times, we were always treated with kindness.

We met with my new "brother" Patrick this morning to debrief. Both the Ugandan Ministry and a US agency have asked that Meg come back in May so they can continue to refine how we can work in concert to assure the successful implementation of our plan. Now, the tough work, we have to find funding for Meg's next trip.

We had a funny coincidence at the airport. Two of the volunteer medical professionals that we met in the rural clinic are on our flight through to Portland. We discussed the hope that a local student could be identified that had the desire and aptitude to become one of our scholars and then return to serve her community at the clinic. We compared notes on the enormous medical deficiencies yet concurred that the Ugandans were incredibly appreciative of the smallest kindness.

This trip has been unbelievable. Only in our dreams did we ever dare to imagine such unilateral support of our program. The only thing that could have been better is if we already had the funds in our account to launch the first 1,000 scholars. Say a prayer that our friend in Washington D.C. can do some creative maneuvering to get the funding soon.

My one regret is that I didn't get the time to take photos other than from a speeding vehicle as we crossed the countryside. It seemed we always had appointments that kept us on the run and/or in offices. It's been a great trip but we are happy to be heading home to our families. -

-Tania

Lessons in Culture

2010-04-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

April 10, 2010

Well, we woke up feeling a bit dehydrated and lethargic this morning. It being Saturday, we took our time getting going then took care of some paperwork. I started packing. We had made an appointment with Patrick, our premiere Ugandan volunteer, and his wife to have dinner. We owe so much to both of them for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of TGF. But then, if you heard their personal stories you wouldn’t be surprised.

Patrick and Precious are two dear, amazing people. Both were born in the country to “simple people, peasants”. Both still have family that lives in the country. Their lives were not easy, especially for Precious who was turned out of her home by her uncles and brothers (from other mothers) when her parents died. Yet both of them have continued to value education and helping others. A good portion of dinner was spent trying to understand all the people that live in their own home! Nephews, cousins, nieces, and a sister all reside with them ranging from 1st graders to adults. Some are supported by relatives and others aren’t. These family members have come to Kampala to get a better education. This young couple juggles work, school, and their eight dependents and yet never complains, always smiles, and manages always to have time to help TGF too! What inspirations they are to us.

My favorite part about traveling is learning the culture. Uganda is a country of tribes. Each tribe has its own language and traditional dress. Our dear friends Patrick and Precious speak the language of Buganda in the home because that can be understood by all. Patrick has mastered ten tribal languages, including his wife’s.

It is still common to have men with multiple wives (I know, our American men are trying to figure out if this is good or bad). We have heard stories from our friends here about being born to the first, second, or youngest wife. For one, he was born to the middle wife but was the favored youngest child. He lived with his father and his youngest wife. Yes, he said this was hard for his mother. Then there were the girlfriends. Good luck trying to keep all the family members straight. I think I am beginning to understand why everyone calls each other brother and sister!

There seems to be a shift toward monogamy, at least in the city. Some of our Gretta Scholars experienced difficulty with polygamist families where their mother and/or father died and they were turned out of the home by the paternal family. It is mind boggling to think of the culture shock for someone from the country, living in a hut, tending the garden and animals, then moving to a modern city.

With the war over, and stability returning to the country, Uganda seems eager to jump into the modern world. Everywhere we go though, people are asking for jobs and poverty is prevalent. I digress.

We had a wonderful evening with our good friends and took the opportunity to speak a bit about the next few years for TGF in Uganda. We were all excited. Many hugs and kisses later, we made a date to meet with Patrick tomorrow to debrief and plans to go dancing with them next trip (we told them about our fun Friday night)!

-Tania

The Big Day!

2010-04-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

April 9, 2010

The US agency that we have wanted to partner with was coming to our hotel at 8:30am. We set two alarms and asked for a wakeup call!

This is the best part. After two years of great vision and hard work, we got to share our research and the TGF model of putting 1,000 nurses on the ground in the next four years. As mentioned, the plan includes not only the nursing scholarships and everything that goes along with that, but includes capacity building in the nursing libraries and skill labs.

The plan was enthusiastically received. We stressed how if we didn't move quickly, given the nursing school calendar, that we would have to wait another year and half to implement the plan. Again we insisted that this had to succeed if any advances could be made in addressing infant mortality and maternal death rates, family planning, stemming the advance of infectious diseases etc. We were thrilled to hear our contact agree and voice our thoughts that this was a small beginning of the numbers of nurses truly needed in Uganda. He recognized the perfect marriage of our program with the goals of his agency, and possible collaborations with another source. We showed incredible restraint in not jumping up and down!

The US official then went off to meet with the Ministry of Health to discuss the plan and their partnership.

We took off to see Mulago Hospital, one of two national referral hospitals in the country. The hospital was modern looking from the outside. The first thing that struck me was that severely ill and handicapped individuals had to move through the hospital unassisted. The few wheelchairs available were kept in emergency where they have only two gurneys as well! Again, this was a horribly emotional tour.

The most difficult for part of the tour for me was the emergency ward that evaluates 7,000 patients a month and admits 6,000. There is one intake nurse that determines if a patient should be given a red, orange, yellow, or black status; red being the most urgent and no imagination needed to decipher what black meant. Four patients at a time sit behind a screen in front of the nurse as she takes vitals and medical information. While doing intake the lone nurse "has to check on the waiting patients beyond the screen to make sure no one has died". The patients are seen by a doctor (in the hallway), given whatever services they need (x-rays, labs etc. with antiquated equipment), then sent to a ward segregated by sex (children and adults combined), where they are then monitored for an hour and given whatever care they can. I can't begin to describe what it was like to see one person after another laying critically ill or wounded in such deplorable conditions with few nurses or doctors to be seen. These are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, daughters or sons.

After one hour, the patient is then transferred to a ward specific to their general health issue. In one of these wards there were broken windows, and patients lying on the floor. I saw one person adjust the IV drip for a family member that was on oxygen. All I could think of was the numerous times I have been in emergency with my parents and the stark contrast with their experiences and what these people were receiving.

I could go on about the horrific scenes I saw: women in labor lined up in a hallway without benefit of a bed, family member, or nurse to help. The few nurses were busy transporting a dead baby and removing soiled linens. The strain was evident on the nurses' faces. More women in labor were waiting outside the doors.

What a roller coaster after the wonderful morning. We then met with one of our collaborators from the Minister of Health for dinner. We got to hear more great news about their meeting with the US agency and that the agency is going to work to implement the TGF plan soon! We won't celebrate until it is a done deal but we were so encouraged.

We had an incredible evening and got to learn more about Ugandan culture and our new dear friend. Meg and I arrived back at our hotel about 10pm and realized we had to go celebrate! We headed next door to a local night spot and didn't come home until after 2am. Let's just say that our abilities to bring people together and get them enthused didn't stop at the office. We turned this chic bar into a party with everyone dancing, including the owner! What a day.

Visiting a Private Practice

2010-04-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

April 8, 2010

Well we had little sleep between the heat and the noise in town. Of course we were sound asleep when it was time to get up and didn't notice that our alarm hadn't gone off. We woke up ten minutes before our departure time and paid a happy adieu to the shower (spigot on the wall with plastic tubs) with little regret that we didn't get to use it. With tea brushed and caffeine in our system we rushed to our next appointment, a private midwives practice.

The private practice was in a small town and the building itself couldn't have been more than 200 square feet. The trained midwife not only provides birthing assistance but also provides what gynecological care she can. The challenge is that many of her patients can't afford the $7.50 birthing fee. With cash flow constraints they can't afford to have even the most basic of medicines and tools. Tools are sterilized in an old pot at bedside. There was one 19 year old girl that had just given birth. She and her mother were very somber. The father was outside and appeared to be at least twice the girls' age.

We had moved quickly through our visit because of an appointment we had back in Kampala at 4pm. When we stepped outside, our vehicle had a flat tire! Our car karma on this trip has not been the best. While our driver changed the tire I went in search of some water. This was a wonderful opportunity to walk through this tiny, tiny, village and meet some of the locals. I stopped at the rice shop and the attendant gladly led me down a mud alley to a tiny shop that sold cold drinks as well as Indian spices! The Indian presence is huge in Uganda and you find Indian food even in the remote villages. Much to our pleasure!

Back in the car we drove straight through to Kampala. Along the way we found out there had been some miscommunication about the meeting and that we now had our evening free. We got back into town and stopped for a nice lunch. During out lunch at 2:30pm we got a call that a 4pm meeting had been arranged. Dirty from our road trip we dashed off to get cleaned up and changed. The timing was tight so Meg went off in a taxi while I waited for our colleague Patrick. Patrick and I took off just barely in time but then that darn car Karma kicked in again. The vehicle died right in the middle of rush hour traffic. We agreed that Patrick should continue to the meeting as I stayed with the car and waited for assistance. I sat on the roadside, very warm in my suit, until the mechanic came and managed to get the car started. He then drove me to the Ministry of Health where I waited for my colleagues. The meeting went very well with continued buy in from the Ugandan government.

What a day. We also learned that "the big meeting" we have been trying to schedule for two years was going to happen the next day at 8:30am! Exhausted, we went "home" and collapsed for another fitful night's sleep as the importance of the next meeting weighed on our minds.

Tania

Off to Soroti

2010-04-10T23:26:00.001-07:00

April 7, 2010

Part of what The Gretta Foundation does is to tour nursing schools and hospitals to get a complete picture of the nursing and healthcare system in Uganda. We don't just want to just put nurses on the ground, we want to make sure that they receive a good education, and that we understand all the factors that play into "brain drain". One of the regions we had not explored was the northeast of Uganda. This region was affected by the war, drought, and recent mudslides. We departed early in the morning in anticipation of our five hour drive.

The drive in itself was enlightening as we passed through the slums of Kampala, then out into the country through rice, sugar cane, coffee, tea fields and across the Source of the Nile. The countryside is breathtaking. Everywhere you see the traditional round mud hut with the thatched roof. Everyone is out working in the fields with either hoe or ox and plough. The bikes too are loaded unbelievably high with every imaginable item including people. Other than a stop for gas, we drove straight through, arriving at the nursing school in Soroti after dodging potholes, goats, cows, pedestrians, bikes, and motorcycles. To drive in Uganda you have to have nerves of steel and be constantly aware of your surroundings.

This was my first complete assessment of a nursing school which included touring the dorms, library, kitchen, classrooms, and offices. The administration was very forthcoming about the challenges they face and were so gracious and generous with their time. Again, we found a recurring theme, 30 year old medical textbooks in short supply and skill labs that are woefully lacking. This further affirms our program that includes bolstering the infrastructure of the schools to make sure the nurses receive an appropriate education.

We then went to the local hospital at around 6pm and received a brief tour. On the approach to the hospital there is an amazing sight of hundreds of people camped out on the grounds either cooking, washing, sleeping or just patiently waiting. It is the responsibility of the family to provide food and linens for each patient and to care for the patient when the nurses can't.

We toured the OBGYN ward where those that had cesareans were given a bed; those that had given birth vaginally were on the floor. The chief nurse requested that we not take pictures because she didn't want people to get the wrong impression. The day staff had gone home and the night staff was much smaller. The ward was horribly understaffed even during the day. The beds and medical instruments were in terrible condition and terribly inadequate. This was so difficult to see. You honestly can't imagine what it is like to walk through these hospitals. This is the main hospital for the region too!

We asked how the student nurses from the nearby school assisted in the hospital. The girls did anything they were asked without hesitation. The boys would refuse many tasks. This reaffirmed what we have heard elsewhere. The boys tend to use the nursing education as a stepping stone to become doctors. Studies show that doctors are far more likely to migrate. It is also worth noting that the principal lamented not being able to interview the students coming in on government sponsorships (which was a significant percentage of her student body). The TGF scholars are screened and interviewed to assure that only those that are passionate about becoming nurses receive sponsorship.

We met with the director of the hospital and he spoke about the devotion of the entire staff. The staff they have cultivated, although woefully inadequate, works as a team to give the best possible care. Even the guards help move patients into beds. I can't imagine what it must be like to face the daunting tasks day after day. This is truly a calling for all of them.

Exhausted and hungry, we found a hotel in town (wouldn't even get a AAA one star rating but it had a flush toilet) and a delicious goat stew , matooke, chapatti and Bell beer. We collapsed into bed under our mosquito nets. Another full day and another to come.

Good night for now!

Requests for Assistance

2010-04-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

April 5, 2010

Today is a legal holiday in Uganda, Holy Monday. All government offices are closed as are most businesses. The streets are much quieter. Despite the holiday, the Senior Health Planner for Uganda met with us so that we could explain in even more detail our plan for a nursing program, retention strategies, and strengthening of the nursing school infrastructure.

On our way into the deserted Health Ministry offices we ran into, and were introduced to, the Director General. We were tickled to hear that he too had been contacted by the Minister of Health and asked to work with us in any way needed. We are so pleased that the Ugandan government is earnest in partnering with us to make sure that the quality of the education is excellent, the nurses receive appropriate compensation, and that they work in environments that will not only strengthen the profession but induce them to stay in-country. The plan was extremely well received and the Senior Health Planner is anxious to coordinate all the various government agencies that will need to be involved. We laughed because as exciting as this plan is, we just added a huge work load to this very dear man.

We went to a local mall after our meeting for some lunch. It was fun to see the racial and national diversity. Malls are a new concept in Uganda but the populous has latched onto them. It is interesting though; the stores are much smaller than we are accustomed to and the lights are often off to conserve costs. With the stabilization of the Ugandan economy there is a new emerging middle class that is hungry for a wider array of goods. I feel myself wanting to give words of warning about corporations pushing out the local businesses, the dangers of fast food etc. It would be nice if emerging nations could learn from our mistakes. Oh, and don't get me going about the plastic water bottles that liter the roadways. One thing that is so wonderful is that interracial relationships seem to be completely accepted (at least in the capital city).

After lunch we went back to our hotel and followed up on some paperwork. We had opened our big window when we first got back and got so engrossed over the next few hours that we didn't realize that our lights had attracted every mosquito and insect in the surrounding area. Our poor neighbors probably wondered what all the shouts and slaps on the walls and ceilings were about. We suddenly realized it was after 9pm and we had better get dinner.

We walked over to a city park that is dotted with restaurants. The walk over was emotionally wrenching because young infants were set strategically along the sidewalk, sitting quietly, with no apparent family member in sight. The infants were perfectly spaced about 100 yards apart. We also passed mothers with young infants asking for help. Yet, even in these situations the Ugandans are much more delicate. Requests for assistance are quiet. If you do pull your wallet out, the risk is that every street vendor in the vicinity will surround you trying to sell their goods but in a much less aggressive manner than you would expect in other developing nations. Not a single homeless person was in the park, again, a contrast from the U.S. I am sure the security guards with rifle in hand must have something to do with it.

It is odd how quickly I have become accustomed to security guards with rifles and soldiers with machine guns. Another thing that is very different is the behavior of the men. The girlfriends and wives have one up on us. I have only twice now seen a sideways glance at a woman. These guys are pros! Well, enough for tonight. Wish us luck that we got all the bugs out of our room!

Watch Out For Hippos

2010-04-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 3

This morning we rose for our day off. We headed to the game reserve at 7am and headed out on foot for a two hour walking tour. The landscape was incredibly beautiful and we saw many wild animals. The closest we got to a hippo was startling one as we rounded a bend saw its splash as it hit the water. We then went on a canoe trip through the swamp with a wonderful young oarsman in front, us in the middle, and our guide (with machine gun in hand) in back.

We quickly realized that this was not the brightest idea we had had. The path for the big canoe had just barely been cut out and our poor oarsman had to dig us through several areas where hippos had pushed dirt into the narrow channel. The water was filled with hippo dung and smelled as good as it looked. We had to bail a bit of water out of the boat to keep from soaking our feet in the wonderful stew. Have you heard how territorial hippos are and how dangerous? How stupid were we! Suddenly our oarsman pulled the boat to the side and our guide tucked us tighter into the papyrus. Tiny air bubbles were surfacing feet from our tiny boat. There was a sudden movement of muddy water headed downstream and we saw the hippo surface several yards away with only his ears and eyes momentarily visible.

Luckily we returned without further incident. Having had enough adventure for one day, we headed back towards Kampala which was a lengthy drive. We have work that takes us up north later in the week that will require many more hours along rough roads and we thought it best to rest up.

Tania

Visiting a Rural Village

2010-04-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 2, 2010

We took off this morning out of Kampala to visit a health clinic in a rural village. The drive itself was an adventure for me since I hadn't seen much of Uganda other than downtown Kampala and some select offices. It really helps to put things into perspective when seeing how people live and work. First, we had to carry an extra can of fuel in the car because there is a gas shortage. Uganda only has the capacity to store 10 days worth of fuel for the country. The drive out of the city was eye opening as we passed goats grazing in the medians and cattle grazing along the sides of the roads and in the garbage piles. The local creeks are used to wash clothes and motorcycles alike. Shacks and stone buildings are stuffed along dirt alleyways and makeshift vendor stalls appear wherever there is open space.

As we moved out of the urban area the landscape quickly changed and gave way to beautiful countryside. The goats and cattle were still everywhere as were the children tending them. It was common to see children as young as 4 working in the family garden, carrying firewood, or even carrying a younger sibling. We were on a main road that was undivided and traffic was constantly veering around potholes, livestock, cyclists carrying incredible loads, and motorcycles carrying up to four people. I was amazed to see women sitting sideways on the backs of motorcycles while holding on to an infant with one arm and the cycle with the other. Most living seems to take place outdoors as women bath their children, do laundry, and cook outside their mud huts or block buildings. Families all seem to have a plot of land that they cultivate. Many have a stand along the roadside to sell their produce, whether it be just a few pieces of vegetable or several items. Everyone seems to walk miles at a time. Women in beautiful traditional clothing are often seen carrying loads upon their head;. men and children too.

We arrived at our intended destination midday. The clinic was started on land donated by a local family and gradually built by volunteers from the US. We happened to be there when several medical professionals were volunteering during their spring holiday. The clinic serves approximately 2,000 people from the surrounding villages. The volunteers work with the simplest of supplies and with what medication they can secure. We were visiting because the clinic personnel would like to identify an individual from the community with promise, mentor them, then send them to nursing school, and have them return to the clinic to help their community. The hope was that TGF might be able to help. This of course is a model will whole heartedly support.

After our tour we headed out further into the country along dirt roads to a game reserve rarely visited by Ugandans no less Americans. It is amazing how many small paths led off the roads to tiny villages. The countryside was beautiful but the poverty became even more apparent the further out we drove. Several hours later we arrived at our destination, Katonga Wildlife Reserve. Quickly, local children gathered, for some it was the first time they had seen a white person. The children couldn't have been more delightful and we all had fun as we took photos and movies of the children and showed them their images on the screens. Having gathered the information we needed for our next days' adventure, we headed into town to find lodging.

The town consisted of perhaps 20 structures along a dirt road and our lodge was the nicest with a metal roof. We met a lovely family and got a real taste of local culture. We were served warm beer on the porch (no electricity) and relaxed while our dinner was killed and prepared. Our poor hostess was suffering from malaria and did her best preparing our dinner in three hours. While dinner was being prepared we became the object of much curiosity amongst children and adults alike as they lined the street and property line to watch us! A few brave young girls eventually ventured closer and again we used our cameras to entertain them and us.

We gathered in the main room of the home and had our dinner while the family looked on. We got an opportunity to learn more about them and were touched by the eldest son who was studying to be a doctor. Michael had tried once to gain entrance into a government program for medical school but had failed by two points. The openings are few and it is very difficult to be accepted. Michael has one more opportunity to repeat his courses and test again. This was an exceptionally bright young man with great compassion that wanted to return to his village and provide much needed medical services. His mother had managed to send him to boarding school in Kampala for his education but there was no way he would be able to afford medical school. It was heartbreaking to think that such a wonderful young man might not get the opportunity to help his country We continue to meet the most wonderful people with the purest of hearts that lack the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of others. This further galvanized my commitment to the mission of The Gretta Foundation. Think of how many aspiring nurses there are in Uganda with little or no opportunities to meet their dreams? It is one thing to say "providing scholarships to impoverished people in disease burdened nations" and it is another thing entirely to put faces to the words.

After pondering such sobering matters, it was hard for us to complain about the pit toilet with leaf toilet paper, the crude beds with mosquito nets, or the single portable battery operated light bulb provided us. Hey, it wasn't as easy to see all the lizards and bugs crawling on the walls! The night's lodging for both of us was $7.50. We went to sleep to the sounds of a neighbor blasting their stereo off a local generator.

Tania

A Pivotal Day for Uganda

2010-04-02T08:46:00.001-07:00

4/1/10

I had the privilege today of being present in what could be a pivotal day for Uganda. TGF gathered together seventeen senior ranking members of the public and private sector in Ugandan healthcare as well as honored members of the Ministers cabinet.

The vision that TGF has crafted for the Ugandan healthcare system, as it pertains to nurses, was the result of two years of exhaustive research throughout the country, much of it conducted with the support of those assembled. When the plan was revealed, the assemblage was ecstatic and resoundingly in support of the plan. The uniform comment, beyond jubilation, was that none of them could have fashioned a more perfect plan. Of course, we at TGF know that no one has had the opportunity to do what TGF has done, thanks to the continued support of our donors.

This is of course the beginning of a long road and many, many meetings but our Ugandan partners are excited about working with TGF to divide, conquer, and implement various aspects of the plan. We also received the news that the Minister of Health's officials had a meeting this morning with the American Ambassador to present the TFG vision and have arranged for TGF to meet with an agency that could be key in supporting the plan.

I honestly can't convey the excitement in the room after the presentation other than to say "imagine young children opening holiday gifts".

Now, let's see if I truly have editorial license here. The accolades that Meg received and continues to receive are incredible; she is a true visionary and architect. Meg has been adopted as a Ugandan and honorary nurse! There were many hugs and much excitement as our honored guests left.

We leave tomorrow to visit a clinic in a small village that supports over 2,000 people from the surrounding villages 30 km outside of Masaka. I am excited because this will be an opportunity for me to get out of the city and see more of the country. Our access to the internet is questionable over the next several days. Until my next blog, I wish you all a wonderful weekend and thank you again for making this possible.

-Tania

Meeting our Gretta Scholars

2010-04-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

3/31/10

Today we got to see the fruit of everyone’s efforts; we got to meet with five of our TGF scholars. Two of the girls are in their second year of nursing school and three are in their first. It was such a pleasure for me to meet the young ladies whose pictures I have seen and whose heartfelt emails I have read. First I want to convey to all of you the thanks from each one of the girls. The opportunity that all of you have given them is an enormous honor and blessing that they don’t take lightly. These young ladies have faced incredible odds to make it as far as they did in their education and none of them would have had this opportunity without you.

I also got to meet the wonderful ladies at their school who watch over them both in a professional and personal capacity. These ladies are part of our TGF volunteer family and have become a second family also to these girls.

This was my first opportunity to venture beyond the hotel and ministry meetings so it was a real treat to see “the real Kampala”. Just driving to the school was a an adventure as our driver deftly maneuvered around trucks crammed with livestock, boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), ladies in traditional Ugandan dress carrying loads on their heads and babies on their backs. After meeting with the scholars at their university, we all walked through the clay streets to a nearby restaurant for dinner. I was so busy speaking with the girls and maneuvering around ruts and debris in the road that I hadn’t noticed the young children waving and speaking to us. The girls explained that they were calling out to us using a term that translated means “precious vessel” or honored person.

At the end of the evening we all squeezed into a van to drop the girls off. You should have seen the worried look on one of the girls’ faces when she thought we were going to go inside and see her room. Just goes to show you that teenagers are the same the world over!

-Tania

Meeting the Ministry of Health

2010-03-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, where do I begin? The day couldn't have gone any better. It was surreal.

We arrived at the Ministry of Health in Kampala and met with our dear friend and TGF family member, Patrick. Like any national government office we had to pass through a guarded gate, through metal detectors, and passed armed guards in the hall (carrying rifles) We first met with the Senior Health Planner for Uganda, who prepped us a bit on protocol We were joined by the president of the National Nurse and Midwives Union, and the Commissioner of Nursing.

Meg gave a presentation summarizing the two years of research The Gretta Foundation has compiled. We then set a vision for the future of Ugandan health; a future that could only flourish with more nurses, trained in country, and retained in Uganda. The Minister listened attentively, asked probing questions which Meg deftly fielded.

Hearing about our conference on Thursday with the major stakeholders in Ugandan health, the Minister reviewed our list and asked if there were any that were not attending. Upon hearing that a few were not, he asked that the message be conveyed that the Minister requested their attendance at our conference. The Minister than asked the Senior Health Adviser to coordinate efforts with TGF in submitting a proposal to a major health donor. The Minister was also happy to help facilitate a meeting with a major government agency operating in Uganda.

Meg facilitated a wonderful presentation which was later confirmed by all in attendance. The Minister concluded with the statement "Anything we can do to keep you here, we will do". We took pictures then walked out in a daze. Two years of research and hard work had been validated by the Minister of Health who embraced the vision of The Gretta Foundation.

What more can I say. A good day's work!

Back in Uganda! (by Tania Hanson-De Young)

2010-03-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Meg and I have arrived safely in Uganda without incident, other than a flat tire on the Bay Bridge on our way to SFO! The trip took us 32 hours total and although we felt fine, we both slept 12 hours last night. Meg is preparing for our meeting tomorrow with the Ministry of Health and we meet this evening with our wonderful in-country volunteer Patrick for dinner to strategize about our conference on Thursday.

Meg was asking how I felt to be in Uganda and to tell you the truth, we were all so focused on V-Day Lafayette that I haven’t had a chance to give it enough thought. I am very excited to have firsthand experience with our work here and to meet with all the major stakeholders in health. I am also looking forward to meeting the wonderful volunteers here that are dedicated to the mission of The Gretta Foundation. I look forward to understanding Ugandan culture too as I feel it is imperative to the success of any program functioning internationally. Now if Meg and I can just remember to walk on the left that will be a start. Good thing we aren’t driving! More soon.

Graphic Designer's Update (by Laura Windisch)

2010-03-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to see a preview of the performance last night and it was AWESOME. We are so lucky to have this ensemble! Our marketing team has been working hard to share the news of this important event. On the visual end, I've been working to create a look and feel for the materials and environment that ties The Vagina Monologues to The Gretta Foundation, while staying true to the vision of the production team.

TGF. TVM. What binds the forces behind these acronyms?

As an organization, The Gretta Foundation (TGF) stands for the same traits as the nurses it supports: it is empowering, caring, personal, and professional. The Gretta Foundation identity and logo, based on Gretta Styles’ signature, is about the exponential power of one.

Providing a nursing scholarship has an immediately profound impact on one woman’s life and tremendously improves her family’s outlook. When you consider each individual of that disease-burdened country that she will provide care for–especially given the severe healthcare shortage–the number of those positively impacted becomes enormous. Add to that all the individuals whose fears of losing a loved one are relieved, and the number becomes countless. And all by enabling one education.

The Vagina Monologues (TVM). Mono. One person’s story, now seen and heard by millions, sparking conversation, action, and change.

The overlap between TGF and TVM lies in the widespread effect of one individual’s innate power to touch another human, both physically and emotionally. A donor has this power. A cast member has this power. And certainly, a nurse has this power.

At the Lafayette venue, in addition to the performance, we will be communicating the power of one visually through portraits of Gretta Scholars, with quotes serving as mini-monologues. We've used quotes since the creation of our identity (on the website, in the brochure, etc) to express this message, so it fits well.

And what's up with the paint splatters? Bold, feminine, personal expression. Limitless opportunity to influence the canvas.

Welcome to the venue, and I hope you enjoy the show!!

From the Director (by Marian Rutenberg)

2010-03-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

The debut of the "Vagina Monologues" is officially one day away. Last night I was reminded yet again what an amazing cast we've assembled. Not only are they breathing new life into Eve Ensler's monologues, but they are a wonderful group of women. I'll let the women tell you a bit more about themselves, in their own words:

Jay-Marie Garcia, a spitfire "Woman 1" in the opening monologue, comes to us by way of the Gretta Foundation. When asked about her life, she said, "I have a great husband and I rode on the back of his Harley to Reno Street Vibrations in 2008. I have three awesome children and four dachshunds. I also own and operate an independent insurance agency business. I've been a member of Soroptimist since 1987 and helped start the Monument Crisis Center in Concord. I love working with Seniors. I also love music and singing. Baseball is my favorite sport. Go Oakland A's!"

Nariza Paras, our official "moaner" from the monologue, "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy" states, "I’m the luckiest mommy in the world. I'm mother to Alyx, Skylar, Devin and Ava. I'm married to my best friend, Kevin. I've been singing and dancing since I could remember. I’m a ham for musicals. Yes, I am a certified massage therapist. Also work as part of wonderful Ob/Gyn practice In Walnut Creek by day. I love to snowboard! It’s such an honor to work with all the wonderful people involved with The Gretta Foundation. Go Forty-Niners!" Looks like we've got a couple of sports fans on the cast.

Marcy Dubova is a perfect example of the diversity in our cast, people are already blown away by her performance in "Flood". We're so lucky to have her. Marcy says, "I am a proud septuagenarian in the prime of my life. Rachel is my amazing daughter and we love to giggle. I love Playback Theatre and am a member of the Bay Area Playback Theatre troupe. I am still working as a counselor and I find that aging gives me an amazing ability for compassion, love and insight. It's a job where "too old" is not a part of the vocabulary. My family, friends and one-eyed cat Punim supply me with ample connection in my life. I am blessed." We are truly blessed to call Marcy a member of our cast.

At the other end of the experience spectrum, we get a fresh perspective from Olivia Zuffi, the star of the monologue titled "6 Year Old." "I am 17 years old and I’m a junior at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek. I play volleyball and run track. The “Vagina Monologues” is my first performance, and I’m really excited to be a part of it!" We can't wait to see her on the stage.

Jennifer Perlmutter, who ends the show with her wonderful rendition of the monologue "I Was There in the Room, " had this to say, "I live in Lafayette with my husband and 7 year old son. We recently moved back to Northern California after being away for 25 years and are enjoying every breath of fresh air. I have had a professional art career for ten years and keep a studio in the Sawtooth Building in Berkeley. I am passionate about organizing community for a positive cause and am dedicated to the creative process. I believe in equal opportunity for all people which is why I'm so committed to the Vagina Monologues and the Gretta Foundation."

Besides Melanie Bandera-Hess, we can count four additional drama therapists as cast members! Melanie has quite an acting background in addition to her psychology degree, "I have a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Sonoma State University and a M.A. in Psychology specializing in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I began preforming at the age of 9 and made my debut as Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, lots of tears for a nine year old! I have performed in productions of "Angels in America", "Electra", "Twelfth Night", "A Midsummer Nights Dream". My life changed when I gave birth to my son Colin in 2008, in a peaceful and beautiful homebirth assisted by a Midwife. I am grateful to my amazing husband Scott who has made it possible for me to be home full time with Colin. I am hoping to start part time work in the next year as a MFT intern working towards my license, or teaching Theatre or Psychology at the College level. In the meantime, I have started my own small children's party entertainment company specializing in Balloon Twisting and Face Painting (spriteparties.com). I am honored and delighted to be a part of such an amazing project. Eve Ensler's work is profound and inspiring and the women of Uganda that will benefit from the funds we raise have touched my heart. I am so happy to be able to work in service of them and the women, men and children that will benefit from their skilled nursing." Melanie stars in both "Hair" and "Angry Vagina".

Bruna Palmiero will take your breath away with her rendition of "My Vagina Was My Village." Her journey to us is a fascinating story in itself. "I was born in Brazil and moved to the United States when I was sixteen. Now, I am almost twenty. I am always on the move, because I love learning new languages and cultures. I am also fascinated by photography, music, literature and cinema. But mainly, I’m in love with theater. Since I was a little girl, it was a pleasure to pretend being someone that was not me, experiencing other voices, bodies and souls. My dream is to make people connect their lives to what I represent in stage. My dream is to be a truly devoted and respected actress." Folks, Bruna is a talent to watch. I look forward to seeing her future endeavors.

Kim Cohn Wilks, who stars in "The Vagina Workshop," says, "I hold undergrad degrees in Theatre and American Sign Language, a Master’s in Psychology and am a Soroptimist Scholar. Favorite past projects include one-woman cabaret at Enrico’s in Northbeach, playing “Gerty” in The Sea Horse, and every mother-character in a studio version of Sondheim’s Into The Woods. More recently, I’ve enjoyed creating self-revelatory theatre as both writer/performer as well as director, choreographer and consultant to others’ self-rev process. I enjoy working with graduate students as a faculty member of the Institute for Developmental Transformations and as guest lecturer of Drama Therapy at The California Institute of Integral Studies, JFK University, St. Mary’s College and as a Board Certified Trainer with the National Association for Drama Therapy. I salute my fellow actors and am humbled to be on this stage." Kim is a wonderful addition to our cast.

One of our professional actors and the star of "The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could", Shanique S. Scott has performed in venues as diverse as theater festivals, AFRO SOLO theater festival, 2004 and 2005, the San Francisco theater festival 2006, 2008. She has also performed in upscale comedy clubs such as New York Comedy Club, Stand Up New York Comedy Club, and The Punch line in San Francisco. She has also performed in high schools, prisons, group homes and halfway houses. “PRISONS”, her latest one woman show was premiered at The Jon Sims Center for the Performing Arts in San Francisco and The La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley. Ms. Scott has been seen in: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, A Song For Coretta By Pearl Cleage and Well By Lisa Kron. Shanique also has a Masters Degree in Theater and Women’s Studies.

Catherine Debon, our sexy French siren in "The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy." Originally from France, Catherine (pronounced Cat-reen) has created dance and theater pieces since 1983. Originally a dancer and currently a physical theater improviser, she integrates body awareness when directing self-revelatory performances with students at CIIS and when creating original performances. Her solos have been performed at the San Francisco Fringe, in various Bay Area venues and at conferences around the country. She will performed her next solo at The Garage in San Francisco in April.

Last but not least, I'm happy to introduce Pamela Greenberg, who says, "I have a BA in Theatre from the University of Florida and have performed in productions of “Curse of the Starving Class,” “Off the Map,” “Love, Sex and the IRS,” and stage managed productions of “Marisol,” “What Are Tuesdays Like,” and “The Seagull.” I came to the Bay Area to pursue a Master’s Degree in Drama Therapy at the California Insitute of Integral Studies and currently work as a therapist specializing in the treatment of early psychosis. I am currently working on writing my second self-revelatory performance, a solo piece that I will perform in San Francisco in April." Pamela will leave you in stitches with her hilarious take on the monologue "Because He Liked to Look At It".

I'm blown away by the truly brilliant jewels we have as cast members and I can't wait for you to meet them starting March 19th! I also look forward to meeting you, our audience member, as we all celebrate life, love and a women's most precious part for three fabulous nights!

V-Day Countdown (by Meg Styles)

2010-03-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the tremendous pleasure of working with the cast and seeing all the hard work that they have put into preparing for this extraordinary show we have ahead of us this weekend.

As we all know, Eve Ensler is a brilliant writer. I’m thrilled because I feel she would be very impressed with the incredible talent of V-Day Lafayette. Their performance will no doubt pay a beautiful tribute to her work.

Yesterday I got to see a full run-through of The Vagina Monologues performed by our incredible cast. I found myself at times shocked, always mesmerized, sometimes laughing out of my chair, or crying through my Kleenex, and overall just blown out of my socks.

Behind the scenes is our wonderful director, Marian, who directs her talented actors through inspiration, intelligence and great care and appreciation for their artistry. She herself is gifted. Sean, the stage manager has been an extraordinary support and masterful organizer and facilitator. And our executive producer, Marie-Louise, is passionate and clearly dedicated to this entire process.

I am the president and founder of The Gretta Foundation, and as the beneficiary of this benefit performance, I was very moved to see all the hard work and incredible creatively expended to make this weekend one that will not soon be forgotten.

I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Because of a lot of dedication, hard work, inspiration, passion, and creativity, we are all in for a real treat this weekend.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Producer’s Update (by Marie-Louise Juslin)

2010-02-16T23:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek at the behind-the-scenes of V-Day Lafayette's "The Vagina Monologues" benefitting The Gretta Foundation.

If you were to walk into the Lafayette Veteran's Memorial building tomorrow, you might wonder to yourself, as I did, how are they going to pull off a theater performance here? The venue is beautiful, yes. Neutral tones, tall open room with polished hardwood floors, windows and exposed wooden beams. But it's a community center. Nothing says theater. No stage. No lighting. No curtain. Nada.

But, lucky us, with a production like "The Vagina Monologues" we hardly have to worry about being "alternative." So that's where our all production crew comes into play.

A word about our team. All professional. All volunteer. All cool. Actually, totally awesome. You may get bored reading if I were to continue on about how incredible the team is, so suffice it to say: they are amazing!! (and I don't usually use exclamation marks, so that should really mean something here).

How did I meet them? Marian (our director) was a referral of a referral of a referral, and I knew from the moment we spoke that she's is not only The One (and there's a lot of very intentional weight in capitalizing the T and the O) but it turns out, she is incredibly also my long-lost twin; Sean (our stage manager) was serendipitously at a 10-year reunion party where I announced that, "eh… if anyone wants to be involved in The Vagina Monologues, dot dot dot" and to my incredulous delight Sean spelled it out for me: "you know, I AM a stage manager by profession" (though, pay attention non profits, he's making a career change into the realm of charity… snatch him up if you want him before The Gretta Foundation claims him); Maura (our set designer) replies to a blind classified ad "seeking set designer…mrrrwrrr"—who knew that those ads actually procure someone fabulous(!) (oh there's the exclamation again) who has a vision for the set that you will L-O-V-E; Ben (our lighting designer) I love the guy, and he's not afraid to bonk me over the head when I ask things like, "Can we put the generator outside?" Yes. ML. Duh.

And, wait until you meet our costumes/props designer, audio designer and hair/makeup… Ya, I'm still waiting too…

So here we have a team that is not only committed to a rocking production, but they're also completely gung-hoe on The Gretta Foundation. I'm serious, and I'm not just saying that because I'm on the board.

So there's your inside scoop on who's gonna make it happen—but to see how this crew is actually going to pull it off, you have to check it out for yourself. Get your tickets online.

www.grettafoundation.org/vday.htm

See you in March!

Marie-Louise

Director, The Gretta Foundation
V-Day Lafayette 2010 Executive Producer

An Introduction to The Vagina Monologues (by Meg Styles)

2010-02-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

When the suggestion of a benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues first came up I have to say that I was instantly drawn in. At the time I was with a large gathering of TGF volunteers and two of our board members, Marie-Louise and Laura, were sharing their own V-Day success stories to the group. By the end of the evening, the excitement had spread and we conspiring towards our own V-Day success story.

There are two things I love most about TGF; seeing our work change the lives of young women through nursing scholarships and seeing our Gretta family grow.

Not only will this benefit production increase our mission on the ground but it has been, and continues to be, a privilege to work with the most incredible crew of committed, passionate and creative volunteers making this all happen. In these last couple months, I have been truly blessed to witness the multitudes of wonderful people putting in their energies and artistry and enthusiasm into a project we collectively believe in.

March 19^th, the opening performance of V-Day Lafayette's The Vagina Monologues, will mark the celebration of what would be Gretta's 80^th birthday. Her birthday has also been designated National Certified Nurses Day. I know that she will be with us all. Gretta was a visionary leader. Our mission was the progeny of her admonition, "Imagine a world without nurses." As I have seen with my own eyes, there are many places where imagining this seemingly inconceivable world takes no imagination at all.

Well TGF, V-Day Lafayette and all its volunteers, imagine a different world, a world where we combat violence against women through education and through the provision of tools to enter into the one truly indispensable profession, nursing. We imagine a world where legions of Gretta Scholars impact their communities exponentially and give the battle against child and maternal mortality and diseases like HIV a real fight.

And I can't forget to thank Eve Ensler and The Vagina Monologues for this extraordinary opportunity. I am privileged to be a part of this production, a production which over the years has done so much to support efforts that empower women around the world and break down stigma, embarrassment and shame.

Most importantly it is with great pride and humility that I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the production and the support of these performances. You know who you are.

It's amazing to me to think that a word like "Vagina" can make such a huge difference in so many lives. Who could have imagined?

V-Day Lafayette Presents "The Vagina Monologues"

2010-02-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Please join us as we raise funds and awareness for The Gretta Foundation through a benefit production of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues.”

http://www.grettafoundation.org/vday.htm

SF Bay Area Vagina Monologues Auditions - Set for January 30 - Event Proceeds to Benefit the Gretta Foundation

2010-01-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

V-Day Lafayette is putting on a benefit production of "The Vagina Monologues" as part of the V-Day Community Campaign, a global movement to end violence against women and girls. The “V” stands for valentine, vagina, and vict...ory over violence. For more information about V-Day and its other campaigns to end violence against women and girls worldwide, please visit www.vday.org. The performance dates are March 19 & 20, 2010. Proceeds will benefit The Gretta Foundation.

The Gretta Foundation’s mission is to increase the global “Nurseforce” by providing full nursing scholarships to impoverished persons living in disease-burdened nations. Nursing scholarship recipients, or Gretta Scholars, attend in-country nursing programs. In repayment for the assistance, graduates serve for a predetermined period of time in their country. For more information about The Gretta Foundation, visit www.grettafoundation.org

V-Day Lafayette is opening auditions to perform in "The Vagina Monologues" to all women, 18 yrs to 150 yrs old, from all walks of life. Previous acting experience is NOT required. This is an all volunteer production. Please pass this along to your friends

What: "The Vagina Monologues" Audition
When: Saturday, January 30
Time: noon - 5pm
How to audition: visit www.grettafoundation.org/vday/event_cast.htm
Questions: TGFauditions@gmail.com

Library Fundraising Drive Update

2010-01-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! All the best to you in 2010!!!

Thanks to your support we have reached $6,500 toward much needed books for the nursing library in Uganda. Our goal is $15,000 and we are still campaigning to make that happen.

Donations can be made easily and securely on our website... http://grettafoundation.org

Go to the website and just click on Donate Now. Any and all amounts are a huge help.

Thanks for your continued support and help in spreading the word about the great work The Gretta Foundation is doing in the world.

We can't make it happen without the support of great folks like you.

Thank You!!

Our Last Day in Uganda

2009-12-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

From Sunday, November 29, 2009

(Picture sent via iPhone is from the plane on the way home….see the sunset and the coast of Greenland!)

Today is our last blog entry, and a short one.

We have spent the day packing and getting ready for the 29 hours of travel ahead of us. But since we didn’t leave until 11:00 pm, we made sure the day was productive and we met with UNANM for a few hours putting together the final pieces of our strategy and defining our goals and objectives. It was a particularly engaging meeting as now after all this time, we have some clear direction and aspirations.

I am very excited about our plans and I look forward to coming back in March to make the next crucial steps.

It has been a pleasure sharing this experience with you all and thank you for your interest in our work.

“Kwaheri” from Uganda!

2009-12-01T17:06:00.000-08:00

From Saturday, November 28, 2009

One thing I didn’t mention yesterday was our wonderful dinner with our UNANM (Uganda’s national nursing association) friend, Patrick B. He joined us on our tour to Kabale and was very helpful in scheduling appointments during our trip.

He continues to be a wonderful help and a terrific mind. I really enjoy collaborating with him, sharing ideas, and of course learning all that he knows about nursing in Uganda which seem endless.

Because his wife Prissy is so patient to let us take him away so much we took them out to a fun part of Kampala called Centenary Park. It is a huge compound of restaurants and more restaurants. The park was alive on a Friday night and we sat under the stars eating Uganda’s version of BBQ while competing music from three different restaurants vied for our attention.

Today we went for a tour of the national museum. It is lovely, but small and had the feel of an old-school museum with dioramas and displays of baskets and tools used years long gone. It took less than an hour but it was a nice break before continuing to type up more notes and compiling additional information from the SONS.

We ended the day over dinner with our good friend Janet O. who is the President of UNANM. We gave her a recap of our trip and an update on our work. She too is a wealth of information and we continue to learn a great deal from her extensive experience. For our work to sustain itself it is so important that we actively engage UNANM in the development of our work. By working together, we can better ensure that future Gretta graduates have appropriate remuneration, safe working conditions, due professional status and the like.

Well today was our last full day in Uganda. Until tomorrow….

2009-11-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

From Friday, November 27, 2009

Today was a national holiday but we still squeezed every bit of work out of this trip that we could. We toured the last school of nursing scheduled for this trip. Rubaga, a private faith-based SON and affiliate hospital had very warm and gracious faculty. We are grateful that some of the sisters came on the holiday to show us around.

There are many things on this trip that I have probably neglected to share but one thing I can't overlook is acknowledging Janet's nerve, tack and sensitivity in capturing our trip visually. Today was no different. Can you imagine coming into a hospital ward and asking to take pictures of patients in bed at the bedside of a loved one? Capturing these pictures so that we can come home to help share these important stories is so invaluable.

She instinctively seemed to know when to proceed and when to pull back. She greeted each person with an extended hand and asked kindly for permission. Today she seemed to be the much needed respite in the pediatric ward. All the kids, except for a confused one or two, along with their mothers posed for pictures. Janet went through the same process each time and when she was done taking the picture, would share the image with them. It brought many laughs and smiles. Well done Janet and a heartfelt thank!!

For the record, we have visited 12 schools of nursing and eight hospitals during our two weeks on the ground. And in between those SONs and hospitals were lots of road in between them. We have now visited almost every SON in Uganda that meets our program requirements and we are very proud of our extensive research all the support we've received along the way.

This afternoon was spent with an American nurse from a prominent SON in the US who is in Uganda for two years. We were discussing what we've learned and in addition to a new masters program that is in the works which we hope to support next year when it is launched. It is greatly needed.

Happy Thanksgiving from Uganda

2009-11-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

Photo description: Student in her dorm room at PHNC

From Thursday, November 26, 2009

Today we were back in Kampala and spent the day touring more nursing schools; Mulago Tutors College and Public Health Nurses College to be specific. We did hear some encouraging news that the Minister of Health is interested in learning more about our program. Unfortunately our visit is coming to an end and we are unable to schedule a time during this visit.

However, in my talks with the national nursing association here in Uganda, UNANM, we are collaborating together on different front such as strengthening UNANM and strategizing an assembly of sorts where UNANM and TGF bring together the major players in health and discuss important ideas in addition to our goals and objectives for nursing education. At that point we will be able to share our programmatic strategy and model which will be the product of our extensive research. We are looking to come again in late March of next year. This will be a good time to meet the esteemed Minister.

Today is Thanksgiving and once again we are in Uganda and far from home and family. We had a lovely hotel dinner and gave our thanks. I am grateful for many things in my life including the enthusiastic reception our work continues to receive.

But thank you most of all to all the persons here in Uganda who support our work in a multitude of ways. I am immeasurably grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving from Uganda!

The Face of Critical Nursing Shortages

2009-11-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

From Tuesday, November 24, 2009

We left early again and hit the road for another long bumpy drive to Kabale to visit the SON there. Kabale SON’s Principal is particularly warm. I must say the Ugandan people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Each person we meet whether the SON head or the person cleaning the hall floors greets you with a friendly, “you’re welcome.”

After we toured the school, we were treated to delicious African Tea and simosa’s (deep fried dumplings stuffed with meat) which are very popular here. I must say that African Tea (made with hot milk and spices) is now my favorite thing on this planet….next to my family of course.

We were escorted to the affiliate hospital next door, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. It is better than many we have seen but each ward tells a multitude of painful stories of suffering. The HIV ward is jammed to the walls with people and the pediatric ward is also working beyond capacity.

Next we headed back to Mbarara to continue our visit which we began yesterday afternoon. We learned of their programs and how TGF might work with them to facilitate increasing their educational capacity and sponsor scholarships. I was impressed with the school head’s enthusiasm and innovative spirit.

Our new friend toured us through the hospital at Mbarara. This is where I am at a loss for words. I choked back tears at every turn. The nurses were so incredibly overwhelmed. We just witnessed one unbearably horrific sight after another.

The pediatric ward that day had 89 patients according to one of only two nurses on hand this shift. You read that correct, 89 sick kids and only two staff nurses! Most of the children were babies and toddlers. We saw a bench packed with mother after mother helplessly holding her sick child, many critical. This bench is their triage area. I almost broke down when I saw one baby with visibly labored breathing and very thin. What her mother must be feeling!!

We traveled through the maternity, labor, antenatal, postnatal wards with all beds full and some women under beds lying on the floor. Then off to the surgical and burn wards. One woman was treating her elderly family member’s sever burn wounds because the nurse was not available; just too busy with all the others.

Scenes like these kept coming and coming and my mind just went numb. The smells and sounds and sights were unbearable. I only wish that I could make everyone on this planet not living this reality witness this pain and suffering for themselves. This is the face of critical nursing shortages in disease-burdened nations like beautiful Uganda.

Far West to Kabale

2009-11-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

From Monday, November 23, 2009

We left early in the morning and headed out in an old Land Cruiser to go far west to Kabale. Kabale is just next to the Rwandan and Democratic Republic of Congo’s borders.
Drives like these are fascinating. You just see life play out here for many of Uganda’s population that live in these rural areas. There is no ignoring the extreme poverty everywhere. Except for those in school uniforms all kids, whether just beginning to walk or school age, are in nothing more than rags and rarely do they have shoes. Women prepare food over fires and wash their babies in small plastic tubs. Most seem to live off subsistence farming and will sell what they don’t eat along the roadside. Everyone smiles when you wave. The children seem particularly curious.

We reached Musaka SON today and had a thorough tour. We are very pleased with the Principal’s dedication. But once again, we learn that many can’t pay their school fees and the school is in desperate need for books, computers, and clinical skill lab equipment. Thankfully, each school we tour is very supportive of TGF’s mission and “praying” for our help.

We then traveled potholed roads to the town of Mbarara where we will tour the SON there and then stay the night.

A Meeting with Our Gretta Scholars

2009-11-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

From Sunday, November 22, 2009

We met the scholars at their school today. First we interviewed them so that we can better introduce these wonderful ladies and their powerful stories to our friends back home in the US.

We were brought to tears at times while listening to them share their lives with us. Their past circumstances seemed insurmountable but they are testament to the fact that that word doesn’t exist unless we let it.

It was very clear to us that these young women are overwhelmed with gratitude. Some still struggle to believe that this is now their life and they are living it. Truthfully, I’m the one that is grateful. Providing this opportunity to them gives me a feeling of immeasurable satisfaction which surpasses most any other feeling I’ve ever known.

Next we toured the room they shared together along the back of a woman’s house and I’m happy to see that they live in a safe, comfortable and clean place. While we walked along the roadside to a restaurant to treat them to dinner, I looked back and enjoyed watching them interact. They seemed liked sisters. I hope it stays that way.

I learn from our friends at the school that they are working hard and taking their studies seriously. And later that evening, we got a call from the father of one of the scholars. He called from his village and we had to call him back. Speaking on behalf of him and his wife, he expressed their happiness and gratitude and promised that his daughter would succeed. I don’t doubt it.

Well it is hard to exceed this day but I will treasure the memory of it and keep it as a remembrance of why TGF does what it does.

The Source of the Nile

2009-11-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

For Saturday, November 21, 2009

We woke up to a beautiful morning. The hotel rooms were not more than quaint huts along a stretch of water called the Source of the Nile. We paid a small fee to travel on a man’s tin-hulled boat.

We traveled up one river’s edge and then along the other. Children were swimming and women cleaning clothes not far from our boat. The trees that cradled the river sides were alive with exotic birds and monkey’s doing what you would imagine; swinging from tree branch to tree branch putting on a hysterical show for us. This is certainly not something that you see every day at home.

The water had a strange movement to it like life deep under the earth’s surface was bubbling under it trying to escape. Drums would sound off from time to time. Not as romantic as it sounds though. At a vista overlooking the river, a group of musicians would play on cue every time a bus of tourists would stop. Well they sounded nice anyway.

Next we went to eat along the Bujagli Falls. These falls aren’t waterfalls as I expected but rapids and they are something to see and experience. This place is just you’d dream Africa would be; glorious, beautiful, untamed and vast.

We are excited about tomorrow. This is when we meet with the Gretta Scholars. Now we leave paradise and go back to Kampala.

Continued Nursing School Tour in Uganda

2009-11-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

Our delayed post from Friday, November 20, 2009. We finally have an internet connection again.

Today was a day for touring more nursing schools. We started early a.m. and headed East.

Our first stop was the Uganda Christian University. They have two programs of interest to TGF; a BSN conversion and a masters program (MSN). This school has only one of two MSN programs in nursing in all of Uganda. These programs are particularly important because MSN level nurses are critical to teaching baccalaureate nurses. Here, nurse educators, or tutors as they are called, must be one cadre higher than those they instruct.

The lack of tutors is the biggest constraint in increasing the intake of nursing programs here so supporting these programs will be instrumental in our work to provide nursing scholarships and quality of nursing education. Often we will visit a school and the tutor to student ratio is an abysmal 1:100. During our tour we walked into a leadership class for the MSN program. In order for the nursing profession to advance it is very important that nursing students gain an empowered mindset and learn the skills to be future nurse leaders.

Next we headed further east to a town called Jinja and toured the Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery. The faculty was partially friendly and we enjoyed our visit. A summary of our agenda when visiting each school is to meet the principal and faculty, get their input on nursing education and nursing practice, learn about the school’s infrastructure and recourse and teaching capacity, details on the programs offered, scholarship costs and the like.

We stayed the night in Jinja and enjoyed an evening of R&R at a hotel near the Source of the Nile.

2009-11-24T22:51:00.000-08:00

Our TGF Founder, Meg Styles, is continuing her travel through Uganda this week. Her internet access is non-existent at the moment, but we will be posting all journal updates asap.

Thanks for staying tuned. Your support is very appreciated.

BH2W5QDND7Y5

Place Your Vote for The Gretta Foundation to Win Funding

2009-11-20T16:11:00.000-08:00

Click here to place your vote for The Gretta Foundation to win
$25k to $1million in funding from Chase Community Giving.

Pass the word along to everyone you know. Every vote will bring TGF
closer to getting the funding we need to provide nursing scholarships
to impoverished persons in disease-burdened countries.

Days Like this Make Me Particularly Proud of Our Mission

2009-11-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have experienced a few particularly poignant moments which powerfully embody the critical nursing shortage in countries like Uganda and why TGF is here to do what we do. For example, the moment when I turned the corner in the maternity ward, or, "the factory" at Mulago hospital where I saw over a dozen women in active labor lying on the floor with no medical assistance. 60-80 births a day happen here with only a few nurses on hand. Watching these women, powerless, much like the overworked nurses, continues to be haunting memory. Today, left another indelible mark.

Daily at Butibika there are over 750 patients with each day bringing more. No one is turned away. All patients suffer from some form of mental illness with 15% being treated for medical conditions as well. Of the approximate 300 nurses needed to cover all shifts, there are only 90. At night they have to close the children's ward and bring them to sleep in one of the adult wards. One women's ward has an average of 70 patients but only 2-3 nurses a shift. These are just a couple of examples of the struggles this hospital faces every day. But the acute ward is where we were struck the hardest.

This ward holds the hospital's most ill. Many stay here until they are stabilized and until they are transferred to other wards. For obvious reasons, we didn't take pictures but I'll try to recreate the image that is searing in my mind.

We first walked through a heavily locked gate surrounding the ward and then up the walkway to what must have been a reception area. To the right was a large ward with dozens of empty beds. There were only a couple of patients in the room; one sitting in the far corner alone on the floor, and the other, heavily sedated. To the left, was one nurse standing next to a large tray of pharmaceuticals. Directly past her was a locked gate door leading to another room where there were a multitude of patients; clearly the ones meant for the vacant ward to the right. All were what clearly to me seemed to be severely mentally ill. Where there was an inch to spare, the patients clung to the gate bars, while the rest gathered closely behind. It was the time of day to dispense medications. To complete this task this sole nurse was left to her own resourceful devises. She had rounded up all the acute patients into one room and locked them in behind the gate door. Then she would let out each one, one by one, give them their medications, and then direct them to the other room. Amazingly, she seemed undaunted, even speaking warmly to one patient who was still standing by her side. As the hospital director pointed out to us, "She must be creative."

Now I don't want to mis-characterize Butibika. Her director and all the nurses and other staff are very dedicated to providing the best care. Each ward and the entire facility and grounds were clean, in order and the overall atmosphere, surprisingly calm. I can't tell you how or why. Somehow this place manages to pull off a miracle each day, and the nurses are key in this.

Days like this make me particularly proud of our mission...and nurses always, of course.

Visit to the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council

2009-11-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

Traffic and getting around continues to be an exciting experience. Just walking around means taking your life into the hands of boda bodas (motorcyclists masquerading as mass transit) and cars which along with the boda bodas don’t always respect the notion of a pedestrian and their place on sidewalks, such as they are.

While dodging near-death experiences, I saw a truck jam-packed with cows and people. The truck was so full that there wasn’t enough room for all the bovine limbs. We learned that the cows had traveled from far away, Mbarara, and were on their way to slaughter just a few blocks from the hotel. Well that did it for me. I’m going vegan!

We found a reliable cab driver who goes by the name Captain Bravo. Somehow his name seems appropriate.

We visited nursing’s regulatory body, the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC). The appointed Registrar, Mr. Wakida, was extremely informative and helpful. We met with him during our last trip in 2008. It is very critical that we keep him apprised of our work and collaborate with the council as we progress. His office is the vessel of all information nursing practice/nursing education and he gives us updates on what is happening in the profession. For example, we learned that the council has put together a consortium comprised of university representatives that will act as a think tank to discuss key issues in nursing education. It is not hard to see why we must stay plugged-in.

We had a wonderful lunch at a place called Ekitoobero which serves traditional Ugandan food. On lovely tropical grounds under massive trees we sat at a bench and ate yams, pumpkin, cassava, matooke (fried plantains,) beans, rice and a sauce made of ground peanuts and mushrooms which kind of looked like purple paste, but gave the matooke a much need boost.

We visited a school of nursing on Rubaga Hill but will report further when we tour fully next week. Tomorrow we will be touring more nursing schools and tweeting and providing further updates.

Bye for now.

Lack of Nursing Educators in Uganda

2009-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

Well today was a day for ministry meetings…and would-be ministry meetings.

I had a very exciting meeting with Dr. J. Okou of the Ministry of Education and Sports. Ugandan Universities are under the umbrella of this ministry so they are very important to our work. We discussed in great detail government sponsored scholarships (not full scholarships) and how we can work together. There is particular excitement over partnering together to support the tutor (nursing educators in this case) program in Uganda. There is only one such program in Uganda and they have an average annual enrollment of only 20-30 students. This is a real problem.

The lack of nursing educators is the biggest bottleneck in nursing education here….and globally I might add. For example, the largest nursing school in Uganda has over 800 students but only 9 tutors!! I will be touring this school later next week. It is agreed that supporting this program is a priority for TGF.

Unfortunately my date with the Ministry of Health did not materialize. I can’t say that this is a huge surprise. It is not uncommon to run into challenges (more common than not) scheduling commitments here. I have plans to visit for another day.

Signing off for now...

Day One in Kampala

2009-11-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

Today was a first of many busy days.

At 9:00 sharp, we toured a new hospital called CoRSU which is 20km outside Kampala. It specializes in orthopedic and plastic surgery. We met a great crew of dedicated workers from the admin Irene to chief nurse Joy, to Michael, potentially our next new Gretta Scholar. They toured us throughout the facility and I must say that it surpasses anything that we have seen touring any hospital in Uganda to date.

We met many babies that suffer from birth defects such as cleft palates to club feet to injuries such as burns. It is heart breaking to see a baby malnourished because it can’t feed adequately from its mother’s breast or see a small child wrapped in bandages with missing fingers due to severe burns. Wounds are sometimes slow to heal and bone infections are everywhere. Some wards are dedicated to septic patients alone.

I was particularly touched when meeting a 17 year old girl named Barbara. She has cerebral palsy. She has been neglected most of her life because her mother is weak from AIDS. Her father died of AIDS so the mother is taking care of the family alone and she is overwhelmed. It was Barbara’s little sister, only 15, who sat by her side at the hospital. Barbara is there because she developed bed sores and no one at home is able to attend to her adequately. The nurses at CoRSU are not only providing loving care to Barbara, but teaching her sister how to care for her as well. Although Barbara can’t speak, her lovely spirit spoke volumes to me. We spent a few minutes passing a piece of red plastic back and forth. This random object was precious to her and she seemed to want to interact and play with me. No one knows what her chances are, but at CoRSU, they are doing their best.

They also showed us the morgue and were proud to inform us that it was empty and they were determined to keep it that way. I left feeling intense pride in the personal care the nurses and doctors gave there. They introduced me to each and every patient by name. What a testament to their commitment.

The afternoon was spent with our friends taking care of business at the International Health Science University (IHSU). Dee (Vice Chancellor), Dorothy (Finance), Evelyn (Registrar), and Gerald (Head of SON) are key to the success of our work in Uganda. IHSU is the home of our 5 Gretta Scholars. We will have more to report on the scholars and the crew‘s work on Sunday when we meet again. But I continue to marvel at the personal investment that they make with the scholars. They attend to their needs like they are their own children.

It is evening again and time to get ready for tomorrow.

Good night from Kampala.

Day One in Uganda

2009-11-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Well we finally made it safely. It was late at night when we arrived and we had the thrill of another harrowing drive from Entebbe(airport) to Kampala. This kind of driving is for adrenalin junkies only. Thank goodness we weren’t driving.

If you can imagine, there are virtually no street lights except in the city centre so all headlights are blinding. That wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the hundreds of people who walk along the roadsides only inches from the cars. And then there is the head-on traffic which are the impatient many who pass from the other lane, blinding you further so that missing the persons walking seems more like a game of Frogger. It is a real E-ticket ride. Approximately 50% of all hospitalizations at the injury clinics are from traffic related incidents. I can believe it.

The streets are really something to see. They bustle with people coming and going and hanging out at the multitude of small businesses which aren’t much bigger than shacks. Most are only lit by a single candle. Businesses range from meat shops, cellular minute stores, barber shops to bars (“bottle shops”). Who would think that there would be so much need for a haircut so late at night. The bottle shops are very busy too; large or small, candle lit or electrified; they are filled with people.

We have a busy day tomorrow, so off for much needed rest.

Goodnight from Kampala!

Off to Uganda - Stopover in Amsterdam

2009-11-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

Our founder, Meg Styles, left on her journey to Uganda yesterday. Here's day 1's journal entry...

Janet Pinto, a faithful TGF friend and supporter, and I left SFO yesterday afternoon. After a long but easy flight, we have arrived safely in Amsterdam for an overnight layover. I took the opportunity to do one of my favorite things; walk for miles exploring a new city. Amsterdam is beautiful and exciting and I look forward to coming back one day and giving it the time it deserves. The streets are packed and Amsterdam's many cafés spill out onto every sidewalk. Evidence of the holiday season is everywhere. As you can see from the picture, the streets are littered with lights.

I made sure that this day included a visit to Anne Frank's home. It was a somber visit and a very powerful experience. No one should visit Amsterdam without visiting this place. Anne was a brave and beautiful girl. It is right that her memory lives on in this way.

We leave tomorrow for Uganda. Until then, good-bye!

Meg Styles

Our Mission

2009-10-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

The Gretta Foundation’s mission is to provide in-country nursing education to impoverished persons living in disease-burdened nations while bolstering depleted healthcare workforces and improving patient care and outcomes.

About The Global Health-Care Worker Shortage

2009-10-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

Healthcare shortages affect everyone, everywhere with critical shortages equivalent to a global deficit of over 4.3 million doctors, nurses, and other health-care professionals.

Nowhere are these conditions more evident than in Africa. According to the WHO World Health Report 2006, sub-Saharan Africa has 24% of the global disease burden but only 3% of the health care workforce worldwide and 1% of the global health expenditure. Where the need is most dire, the health-care resources are nearly nonexistent.

Exacerbating the health-care crisis is a problematic trend of the nursing “brain drain.” Due to higher pay and better workplace conditions, many skilled nurses are migrating from disease-burdened countries to more industrialized countries in the north. As a result, the loss of this essential human capital gravely affects health-care availability and patient’s quality of care.

Always more information on our website too...
http://grettafoundation.org

Let us know what you think about this news! Did you know about it?

News

2009-10-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

We just moved our blog over from Wordpress. We want to engage people on this subject to spread awareness, so I hope you will participate in the conversation. Thanks everyone!!

You can also become a Fan of The Gretta Foundation on Facebook...

The Gretta Foundation on Facebook

The Gretta Foundation

Our Scholars are finishing up for the holidays and sending us updates. It is always exciting to hear from them. Please look out for more updates!

“News of home and Uganda”

There is a big PARTY in Lafayette TONIGHT! Will you be there????

You decide... A Royal Wedding or the Vagina Monologues and helping a Gretta Scholars. Monologues of course!!

Don't forget to buy your ticket, it is going to be a great show!

The Vagina Monologues will be here soon!April 29 & 30, 8pmTown Hall Theatre Company3535 School StreetLafayette, CA 94549

Exciting Gretta News!

Another Goodbye to Uganda

Saying Goodbye to Uganda

Lessons in Culture

The Big Day!

Visiting a Private Practice

Off to Soroti

Requests for Assistance

Watch Out For Hippos

Visiting a Rural Village

A Pivotal Day for Uganda

Meeting our Gretta Scholars

Meeting the Ministry of Health

Back in Uganda! (by Tania Hanson-De Young)

Graphic Designer's Update (by Laura Windisch)

From the Director (by Marian Rutenberg)

V-Day Countdown (by Meg Styles)

Producer’s Update (by Marie-Louise Juslin)

An Introduction to The Vagina Monologues (by Meg Styles)

V-Day Lafayette Presents "The Vagina Monologues"

SF Bay Area Vagina Monologues Auditions - Set for January 30 - Event Proceeds to Benefit the Gretta Foundation

Library Fundraising Drive Update

Our Last Day in Uganda

Happy Thanksgiving from Uganda

The Face of Critical Nursing Shortages

Far West to Kabale

A Meeting with Our Gretta Scholars

The Source of the Nile

Continued Nursing School Tour in Uganda

Place Your Vote for The Gretta Foundation to Win Funding

Days Like this Make Me Particularly Proud of Our Mission

Visit to the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council

Lack of Nursing Educators in Uganda

Day One in Kampala

Day One in Uganda

Off to Uganda - Stopover in Amsterdam

Our Mission

About The Global Health-Care Worker Shortage

News

The Vagina Monologues will be here soon!
April 29 & 30, 8pm
Town Hall Theatre Company
3535 School Street
Lafayette, CA 94549