A Dream Realised By Pauline Price - Part 3 < Part 1 | Part 2 >

In addition to my time in school, which was several days a week, I went to:

Monthly Camps, Two doctors visit several large villages once a month, to see patients from surrounding smaller villages as well give advice on health care. Medication was provided free by ABLE.

Home Visits Widows with children, asking for help, were assessed and if eligible, accepted onto the programme mentioned earlier.

Female Foeticide Rally It is against the law, for scans to be carried out during pregnancy, for non medical purposes. Growing numbers of the better off, find doctors who are willing to carry them out, with a view to aborting the baby if it is a female. Sadly, a daughter means a dowry to find, but sons will work and provide some security, for when parents are too old or infirm to work themselves. Prem Khullar was the main speaker, pointing out both moral and practical issues. One town for example has around 450 girl and 1,200 boy children, instead of nature’s normal, roughly equal numbers.

Hospital Based activities. English language lessons all ages and stages.

Hospital Spring Cleaning I worked alongside the cleaners. I can keep going indefinitely and have very high standards, I suspect that they were heartily glad to see the back of me!!

Much to my surprise, I was not only allowed, but welcomed to be present at births, another long held ambition achieved. It was amazing seeing a new life come into the world. Not all were happy outcomes, a 3rd girl was clearly a major disappointment to one couple and a tiny, much wanted first baby was born with horrendous abnormalities, and only lived for 36 hours. Thankfully, the majority were born safely, protesting loudly and greeted by their parents and waiting grandparents and often a crowd of family members, with delight.

Many of the mothers came in to deliver their babies as part of the 2 year programme of 4,000 free deliveries, to encourage mothers to come into hospital, to reduce the high mother and baby mortality rates of home births. This project will finish in December due to the high cost, but hopefully, the benefits will spread by word of mouth and encourage others to follow suit.

Much to my surprise, in the whole time I was there, I did not see one other white face, so as you can imagine, I was regarded with curiosity by young and old alike. The school should have been 15 minutes walk from the road where I was dropped off, but took much longer. I have never been greeted with such a range of reactions in my life, from initial terror by some of the babies, to hysterical laughter from a group of 3 year olds, curiosity from the men and open affection by women of all ages.

Now I am home, it is my intention to offer to speak to groups about my experiences, to raise money for the amazing work done by the Able Charitable Trust for those who are unable to help themselves. I wish to thank the Lions Clubs from the bottom of my heart for their support . It was an experience I will remember all my life.