April Update

On a recent Sunday, Opportunity Foundation partnered up with the YMCA here in Hyderabad to provide an all-day medical camp and clothing distribution for the people of Gabbilapet and Shanthi Nagar. We provided the facility, having such a great location that was close and accessible to many, while the YMCA acquired the supplies, nursing students, and doctors to make the day possible. It was a great opportunity to reach out to our neighbors and provide more than just a school to our area.

Fifteen doctors, five dentists, five pharmacists, fifty nursing students and several of their faculty all showed up to serve the people of the slum. They brought with them all of the equipment necessary to provide general health examinations for anyone who chose to come. Medicine and care were all available free of charge. Another great aspect to what they did was identify those who had chronic illnesses or anything else that requires follow up care. They will continue to check in on these people and make sure their diseases, such as diabetes, are being care for and managed properly with free care. Many of the people who came were not even aware of their conditions. It was great for awareness.

While patients were waiting to be seen, the YMCA had organized a clothing distribution as well. It was like Christmas for many people that came. There were two truckloads - completely full to Indian standards (so practically overflowing) - loaded with only clothes. Men, women, and mostly children, came and could take whatever they could carry. We watched several children with bags almost bigger than themselves, that were filled with clothes, that they excitedly carried back to their homes. The new clothes and the medical care provided were such a blessing.