Mercy Ships and Bethesda Open Dorm for Training Facility

Partnership with Bethesda Opens Dormitory

Hévié Benin, September 17, 2009 - Located about  22 miles west from the port of Cotonou in a village called Hévié is a piece of land that belongs to Bethesda, a local faith-based organization. This strip of land is dedicated to health and social developmental programs. Working in partnership with Bethesda during this year’s field service in Benin, Mercy Ships developed this land into an agricultural training center called “Food for Life”; incorporating a three month agriculture training program. “Food for Life” introduces a venue that is twofold: it teaches farmers Biblical organic agriculture skills in nutrition and crop production. 

Mercy Ships personnel will instruct Bethesda staff in training and evaluation on the work done by students.  Before the agricultural aspect of the project could begin, the on-site dormitory had to be completed to provide housing for the students in training.  Bethesda staff will provide ongoing support, guidance, and additional training at the end of the program in 2009.

Both the construction project and the agricultural training were supervised by  Mercy Ships. Construction Supervisor, Karl Schmutter ,of Australia, commented, “While we were in touch with Bethesda, they expressed they had land and wanted to have an agriculture program as part of their community development initiative. After learning who Bethesda was, we evaluated the project and made the decision to build the training center. It’s been a good job and we are happy to see it completed.” said Schmutter.

In its early stages, the foundations were laid out.  Since all the resources needed – such as sand, cement, gravel, steel and timber – were already in Benin, construction went quickly, interrupted only by brief storms. The dormitory’s zinc roof and the glass for the windows were readily available. Formed bricks were baked – a combination of sand and cement was mixed, poured into moulds and allowed to dry for 3 days.
 
According to Schmutter, support from the local community was very important. “We used the people from the community to do as much of the work as possible, thereby empowering them to help themselves,” he explained. “Mercy Ships mainly just supervised.”

Both Mercy Ships and Bethesda believe the agricultural knowledge shared in the “Food for Life” program will help uplift communities, providing a level of sustainability which will remain long after the 2009 field service in Benin.  Mercy Ships is doing more than just providing job opportunities during the dormitory’s construction. Jean Kamano, Construction Assistant Supervisor, is responsible for managing and directing the labourers to complete the construction. Because he was on-site every day, Kamano also helped to train the workers in new and unfamiliar building skills. “I am helping the workers and giving them some training,” he said.

“Mercy Ships understands that health care doesn’t begin when someone gets sick; it begins long before that.  Part of the health care plan of any group needs to be an understanding of proper nutrition and the ability to provide the foods that will give that proper nutrition,” said Ken Berry Managing Director of the Africa Mercy.

Mark Thompson, VP of International Programs for Mercy Ships, said, “We’re very pleased to have been able to assist Bethesda in the construction of their Agricultural Training Center.  This addition will allow them to become the foremost training organization in agricultural development in the region, and we look forward to hearing of the successes that will certainly follow the inauguration of this program.” 

 
ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services to those without access in the developing world.  Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries, providing services valued at more than $748 million, directly impacting more than 2.16 million beneficiaries. More than 1,200 crew worldwide, representing more than 40 nations, are joined each year by 2,000 short-term volunteers.  Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort.  For more information, click on www.mercyships.org

Hi-res photos and general Mercy Ships broadcast footage clips are available for download at www.mercyshipsnews.org or upon request.

Contact Information:
Kathy Gohmert
903.939-7019
kathy.gohmert@mercyships.org