Dear all

Do you remember, about I year ago, I e-mailed you about a Rwandan student having a placement in the UK with my employer - well in the end it all came together and Boniface Harerimana spent 2 months with my employer learning about addiction management.

He spent half the time in a community service and the other half in an inpatient unit. Boniface is now charged with the responsibility of setting up a new substance misuse service in Kigali. The Brothers of Charity have the land and are hoping to have the finances to start building in the new year. Boniface has just sent me an article he has written to be published in the staff magazine, isn't that amazing!

Regards to all in MSV

Sue

Third year mental health students completed the second part of the curriculm on substance misuse. Second exam tomorrow, student life in Kigali is demanding.

Training at Kigali Health Institute on schedule. Started teaching the substance misuse part of the curriculm. Students very interested in this topic. We discussed the safe use and abuse of alcohol with the treatment required for dependence on alcohol. The problem of alcohol misuse is well documented here, the students were able to recount many of the physical, psychological and social effects of alcohol misuse.

Teaching the class the basics of emergency care in psychiatry.

The class were well enaged and active in the learning - they were given the task of planning the care for patients in various emergency situations. When the care plan was complete each group presented to the whole class and took questions. One students was the designated photographer.

A good day teaching.

Teaching started today - psychiatric emergencies, 28 students at Kigali Health Institute in their final year. I am impressed by their knowledge of neurology they were familiar with synapses, various neurotransmitters and a range of medication.

Some students articulate about the difficulty of studying due to the problems of accommodation and paying fees - it is the same the world over.

Good to be back in warm Rwanda- Ndera calm and welcoming as ever. Spent today in the Brothers of Charity community as it is womens day and the Government announced a holiday - so no teaching today.

The birds are always a source of interest in Rwanda- the hadedas are the early morning alarm. They are nesting in the tall trees along the boundary of the compound - a very precarious, noisy process. Little blue wax wings busy them selves in the undergrowth while the mouse birds run along the branches. 

Preparing to leave the UK.

"Thank you Sue for blogging! I have added some pictures of your last mission, I hope you do not mind. Greetings, Bieke"