Ethiopian Nurse from US Brings Health and Hope to Sheger Prison
Reading Time: 4 minutesA recent two-day health education program at Sheger Prison brought vital knowledge and renewed spirits to inmates, thanks to visiting Ethiopian nurse Tigist from the U.S. and her husband, Quffa. This impactful initiative was generously funded by an anonymous donor from the USA. The engaging sessions saw an impressive turnout, with 55 women, 150 men, and 40 children with their mothers eagerly attending. Even the prison’s police officers were among the attentive listeners. Tigist, with her hands-on and practical approach, taught vital lessons on a range of topics. Prisoners learned simple, accessible home remedies for common ailments, effective ways to prevent sickness, and proper food preparation techniques. For the mothers, a particularly eye-opening segment focused on the damaging effects of excessive candy and sugar on children’s health and eating habits. Tigist also emphasized the importance of personal and child hygiene, and even shared the benefits of hydrotherapy (drinking water effectively). Learning for Life Inside and Out The lessons resonated deeply with the participants. “We used to give our kids cookies and candy when they cried, but now we’ve learned how that actually causes more problems and hurts them,” shared one mother. She added, “We will really try to reduce sugar for our children. It has affected their eating habits so much.” The mothers also expressed immense relief and happiness about LPM’s prison preschool and nursery. “We are so relieved now because our kids are finally getting an education they never had before inside the prison,” another mother explained. This education not only benefits the children but also empowers the mothers, enabling them to work and earn some money, knowing their children are safely cared for at LPM’s nursery. “It’s so hard,” shared one mother. “I’m separated from my husband and will be here for two years. I have my twins with me, and breastfeeding just isn’t enough; we simply don’t have enough food. I desperately want to send them to the nursery, but I can’t even get diapers for them. Plus, I have two more children outside that I worry about constantly.” For the men, the health lessons covered essential topics like maintaining personal cleanliness and keeping their living spaces hygienic. Many expressed that these were vital skills they would carry with them even after leaving the prison. “We’ve received lessons that will truly benefit us when we leave,” one male prisoner noted. A Community Effort, Fueled by Compassion Pastor Wakuma Wakgari, the Seventh-day Adventist church pastor for Sheger City Prison, played a crucial role in coordinating the entire event and diligently interpreting the lessons into Oromiffa, ensuring everyone understood. All the expenses for this remarkable two-day health lesson, including nutritious whole wheat bread and hygiene supplies for both women, children, and men prisoners, were fully covered by a truly heartwarming gesture. An anonymous donor from the USA facilitated the entire initiative by helping his son prepare and sell bread to raise the necessary funds, which were then sent to Ethiopia. This unique and touching act of compassion made everything possible. Living Parchment Ministry extends its profound gratitude to this anonymous donor and the young boy whose efforts brought such practical blessings to Sheger Prison. Their selfless example inspires us all. LPM encourages others who feel moved to support similar life-changing initiatives to join their mission. How You Can Help If you feel moved to support Living Parchment Ministry’s ongoing efforts to bring hope, education, and basic necessities to those in need at Sheger Prison, you can learn more about how to contribute by visiting our donation page: https://livingparchment.org/donate/. Every contribution helps us continue bringing vital programs and compassionate care to those who need it most.
