New Hope - Part IV

May, 2005

Read Part I, Part II, Part III

A couple of weeks after the AIMS program began, this group of students gathered to talk about their experiences and insights. Standing with them (white sari) is the coordinator of their program: Mohanamma

One thing not different from village life is that people of all religions are thrown together. Naturally, since India is predominantly Hindu, most of the students are Hindus. But since the Amrita institutions employ and serve people of all religions, making no differentiation, it came as no surprise when one of the Christian students said he was completely comfortable at AIMS. “There’s no distinction between Hindu and Christian,” he said simply.

As for the quality of the nursing education being offered the tsunami affected young people, there seems to be no doubt that it is exceptionally good. “I already had a certificate and a job as a nursing assistant,” one young woman said, but seeing the advanced technology and methodology of AIMS, she realized that there was much more to learn. “After coming over here and seeing,” she went on, “I quit my job and enrolled in this course. Only after that I will work again.”

Pulled from their usual work at AIMS, these three women were asked to commit themselves full-time to teaching the “tsunami students”.

Perhaps this woman will be among the students who will show special aptitude in their paramedical studies. The Math is prepared to extend their training, providing them with free accommodations and education so that they can enter the College of Nursing and earn a nursing degree. But most will complete the one-year course and immediately seek jobs. There again they will have an advantage, for the Math has numerous hospitals in various parts of India. Upon successful completion of the training course, the new nurse's aides will be offered salaried jobs in the Amrita medical institutions. Some may opt to return to their villages, where, particularly since the tsunami, they will find employment with people in need of home nursing care. This is the unexpected future that will be open to them.

What was needed?

Training, opportunities, and connections.

What was offered?

All of the above.

What was the cost for participants?

Readiness to try.

What is the result?

Hope.

(to be continued)

- Janani
Correspondent from M. A. Math

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