Description
Mid-South Africa Link, Inc. (MSAL) is a non-profit organization chartered in Memphis, Tennessee to promote better understanding of Africa and facilitate partnership in human and material development. Since its inception in 1995, linkages and partnerships have been established in Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe.MSAL has cooperated with local institutions in the Memphis community to constructively engage the talents and resources in the USA with opportunities for service and relationship in Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone. VisionAmerica Incorporated (formerly Omega Health Systems, Inc.) and MSAL have established a formidable partnership for eye care in Zimbabwe. The linkage with a local ophthalmologist (Dr. Harjinder Chana) in Mutare in 1996, provided opportunity for taking modern cataract surgery procedures and equipment to Mozambique and Zimbabwe in 1998. Further nurturing of this relationship has led to the commissioning of an Eye Clinic in Mutare, Zimbabwe in 1999. The International Children's Heart Foundation (ICHF) is rescheduling a heart team visit to the Parientyatwa Hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe for next year. ICHF plans to provide cardiovascular surgery & care to children in Zimbabwe. MSAL has performed preliminary investigation of local needs and interest, documented and shared relevant information with the ICHF administration for effective planning. MSAL has facilitated the collection and shipment of relief supplies to Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Community Association and the Golden United Methodist Church-Memphis undertook this venture to help with the civil crisis in that country. MSAL and the Southeastern Jurisdiction Office of the United Methodist Church USA, co-lead a team of over 35 volunteers from the Mid-South Area to provide services in agriculture, healthcare, construction work, and social services at the Children's Orphanage, in the Mutare Community, Zimbabwe in 1998 and 1999. St. Paul United Methodist Church and VisionAmerica Incorporated were the major sponsors of the two volunteer teams. MSAL has co-sponsored a reception and workshop for new African immigrants in Memphis each year. The Catholic Diocese of Memphis Refugees Services has jointly sponsored the events in the last two years at the basement of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. VisonAmerica Incorporated and several individuals in the Memphis community have invested time, treasure, and resources to help in establishing an eye clinic in Mutare, Zimbabwe this year so that several Zimbabweans can receive appropriate eye care. Big Cat Communication in Memphis donated six computer units, which have been installed at the Hertzel Elementary School and the eye clinic in Mutare, Zimbabwe since July 1999. These computers will help recordkeeping and teach basic computer skills to elementary school students. We hope to facilitate pen-pal linkages with some of the school children in Memphis.There are several opportunities for linkages and partnership with Africa which we hope to make available to the Memphis community in the new millennium: Opportunity to participate in a quarterly public forum on African affairs (where issues and information about Africa will be presented and discussed); opportunity to participate in short term volunteer work experience in Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe) to provide needed services in healthcare and/or education at local institutions); contribute to the MSAL quarterly newsletter (which shares information and concerns of Africa . . .);And attend an African music concert in cooperation with the Memphis Arts Council and other local artists. A major part of our services is targeted toward women and youth in Africa.This is your invitation to join us as we attempt to improve linkage with Africa and promote partnerships, especially in healthcare and education. We need your ideas, medical drugs and supplies, money, and your volunteer services to continue building relationships and partnerships. You may contact us with your contribution at:
