the year in review; annual report 2006 (Part I)

S.C.O.U.T. B.A.N.A.N.A. Annual Report 2006:

S.C.O.U.T. B.A.N.A.N.A. (SB) is a small, non-profit, global organization dedicated to funding access to health care in Africa. Our mission: to fund community-based projects and initiatives in Africa concerned with access to basic healthcare, includig but not limited to, fighting preventable diseases, providing a secure source for food and clean water, improving child and maternal health, and sponsoring community health-worker training.


2006 brought with it many successes and new developments. Our Phase III goals were completed. With the assistance of members of the community and private donors the St. Ambrose Health Center was able to acquire a new autoclave sterilizer machine, an ultrasound machine to replace the previously damaged machine, and an x-ray machine for the newly constructed operating theatre. Being that the Phase III goals were achieved, there were no other tangible projects to be completed at the health center, and we had an expanding chapter base, we decided to take on projects with other organizations working in Africa.


This year we partnered with Blood: Water Mission founded by, the christian rock band, Jars of Clay. Blood: Water Mission exists to promote clean blood and clean water efforts in Africa, tangibly reducing the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic while addressing the underlying issues of poverty, injustice and oppression. Blood:Water Mission is building clean water wells, supporting medical facilities, and focusing on community and worldview transformation, both here in America and in Africa. We currently have undertaken three community well building projects with Blood: Water Mission. However these projects do not just build wells, they teach community members how to build wells which creates a sustainable solution to the lack of clean water. Clean water is the most essential and basic need in order to have any degree of health.


Community well at the Mercy Home in Kampala, Uganda


Well digging in Baiima, Sierra Leone

Significant progress has been made on the community well projects. The Junior Class Council at St. Mary's College Notre Dame held a Banana Split fundraiser night in November. It was a very well attended event which raised over $400 through the sale of banana splits. They are continuing to raise funds for a community well by selling the bright yellow SB t-shirts. The Aquinas College and Adrian College Chapters in Michigan have also started selling the t-shirts to raise funds. The Aquinas Chapter has sold us out of t-shirts this year! At Loyola University of Chicago a chapter is beginning to take root with the help of a graduate student and has already held a small event to benefit the community well projects.

Another new partner this year was Partners in Health. We have partnered to support the development of their Rwanda Programs which includes recruiting and training administrative and medical staff; rebuilding and equipping clinics; and securing reliable electricity, water, and communications systems. PIH currently works in three rural districts (after re-districting) of Rwanda, Kayonza, Kirehe, and Ngoma. Home to over one million people and not a single doctor.


Patients waiting outside Rwinkwavu Hospital in Rwanda