New leg in Ksar El Hassi
Leg 3, Ksar El Hassi
Surprise visit!
For its third day, the medical caravan set up in Ksar El Hassi. The families who make their way to the village have never been visited by Cœur de Gazelles. At least, in theory…
In fact, shortly after their arrival, Cœur de Gazelles President Marina comes across Lahcen and Moujrane, two patients taken in charge by the caravan during the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles 2017. Victims of a serious motorcycle accident, neither of them was able to walk. Thanks to Cœur de Gazelles, the brothers were able to attend physiotherapy for several months, which helped them regain almost complete mobility in their legs.
Their visit to the caravan is a huge and happy surprise, confirming the importance of year-round patient follow-up and provision of care.
Tribute to a star
We have already mentioned Bernard Guémas and his contribution to the Rallye and Cœur de Gazelles. Among other things, this contribution allowed us to build a new school in Tamsguidat. Cœur de Gazelles was granted access to the land by the Moroccan government, and the classes are provided by a teacher whose salary is paid by the Moroccan Ministry for Education.
In honour of Bernard’s memory, Cœur de Gazelles decided to name the school after him, and the caravan’s manager, Fred Valat, installed a commemorative plaque over the entrance.
The commitment of Volkswagen Véhicules Utilitaires
In addition to bringing a complete medical dispensary to the local populations, the caravan distributes donations, thanks to our official transporter, Maghreb Solutions.
The donations include those brought by the Gazelles to the Rallye Start Village as well as wheelchairs provided by the caravan’s benefactor, Volkswagen Véhicules Utilitaires. These wheelchairs are extremely important for the remote populations in southern Morocco. People with reduced mobility are a burden on their families, who do not always have the time to look after them.
The wheelchair is a means for these people to break the isolation caused by their handicap, and to regain a degree of autonomy. Today Hadhoum, aged 77, received a wheelchair. For the caravan’s team, her smile was the best reward of the day!
462 people were seen by the caravan today.
SPOTLIGHT: The gynaecology unit and women
The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles and women’s issues are inextricably linked! Naturally, this is reflected in the actions set up by Cœur de Gazelles. The medical caravan offers gynaecological consultations to the women in the villages it visits. The two gynaecologists are accompanied by two midwives, who assist them and translate their discussions.
While most of the people who visit the caravan have never, or rarely, seen a doctor, it is even more rare for women to have seen a gynaecologist. Modesty is an inherent part of their culture, and trust can be difficult to build. The doctors work on creating a comfortable and intimate space where patients will feel as at ease as possible. Many patients come for reassurance and do not actually require treatment. That in no way diminishes the importance of the doctors’ role, as they and all the other volunteers do a great deal of prevention and awareness-raising, both to reassure their patients and to instil good behaviour and habits.
This philosophy is in line with that of the association in general: outside of the medical caravan, Cœur de Gazelles invests year-round in the women of Morocco. French and Arabic classes are provided to the women in the village of Tamsguidat, in partnership with Diana Holding. In addition, in 2013, Cœur de Gazelles and ABFK women’s association created a multi-service cooperative, which provides job training to women and helps them to find employment. Thanks to our benefactor, Le Printemps Paris, a teaching kitchen and restaurant were set up in 2016.
A commitment to women, one of the fundamental values of Cœur de Gazelles.
Tune in tomorrow for a spotlight on another of the caravan’s specialties!
PHOTOS
