The Ian Burnell Trust

The Trust was set up in 2007, in memory of Ian Burnell, a doctor who died tragically in a climbing accident. It provides funding for medical students wishing to apply for electives in developing countries where their skills are particularly needed. The Trust has two purposes, providing:

• Bursaries towards the cost of the trips themselves,
• Funding for medical supplies found to be required in the relevant hospitals.

Since the Trust began in late 2007, 10 applicants have been accepted for funding for the coming academic year. These students are going to various hospitals across Africa, South America and South Asia, where they will get a chance to employ the skills they have acquired and develop new ones as they go along.

The Trust provides a fantastic opportunity for people to spend a few weeks changing other people’s lives as well as their own, and seeks to build relationships with the hospitals students visit to develop a network through which to expand.

With more funding it is hoped that the opportunities will continue to flourish; in funding future applicants, developing and maintaining relationships with hospitals that students visit this year, and providing medical supplies for the foreseeable future.

The Trust does not yet have a website, but Burnie's old blog can be accessed here.

Tshwaranang

There is a word in Sotho, one of the native languages of South Africa. That word is Tshwaranang. Literally translated, it means "joining hands", but it can mean much more than that. Unity can be the foundation from which the world is lifted up, for people of every race and tribe to join together, building up communities of strength, love and hope. If, through us, a man learns to help himself, then he can help others. A virtuous circle, if you will.

Tshwaranang is a charity based in the Free State, in South Africa. We operate from a town called Harrismith, working in the surrounding area, especially within the nearest townships; Intabazwe, Tshiame and Mokgolokoeng.

Compared with many other regions within Africa, our town is relatively affluent, yet there are still many people living in appalling conditions, and families struggling within the worst poverty possible. HIV and AIDS is a devastating force within our community, with some estimates putting the infection level at 20% in the most badly hit areas.

Through projects of our own initiative, and also through channelling resources for others, we aim to transform our local community. Some of our finance comes from the Department of Social Development, some from other charities, and some from private donations.

The Tshwaranang website contains more information, as well as a informative video; just visit www.tshwaranang.org!