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Trip to Rhema Mission in South India

 

26 pupils from Charterhouse and Benenden accompanied their Chaplains on a trip to the Rhema Mission, Cumbum, South India in December 2009.  They helped at the orphanage, the school for disabled children and the medical centre. They also repainted the dining room and helped with the community Christmas lunch.

The Benenden Ward of the Rhema Medical Centre was opened on 18th December during their visit.  It is the second ward at the Centre, with two rooms each with ten beds. The Charterhouse Ward, funded by money raised by Charterhouse pupils, was officically opened earlier in the year on 18th February 2009.

The pupils visited the Periyar Tiger Reserve including boat trip and elephant ride at the end of the trip.

Charterhouse and Benenden pupils and staff at the Rhema Mission


Opening of The Charterhouse Ward

The Charterhouse Ward of the Rhema Medical Centre in Cumbum, Tamil Nadu, South India was officially opened on Wednesday, 18th February 2009. 

Former pupils Christian Hacking and Charles Wallendahl worked on the Rhema Mission for three months as part of their gap year. Christian, in the top photograph, is pictured cutting the ribbon at the opening ceromony and Charles, in the botton photograph, is unveiling the plaque. Charterhouse raised approximately £25,000 for this ward which covered most of the construction costs. 

The building includes a reception area, waiting room, four consulting and treatment rooms as well as an extensive pharmacy. The medical centre will provide free care and medication for 35 villages within a 5 mile radius with a total population of about 100,000.  There are two full-time nurses and a full-time doctor and a part-time doctor working at the centre to care for the 100-200 patients expected each day.This will be the first time there is a dedicated medical facility close by and most importantly that offers free care.  

A further £14,000 is needed for the annual running costs. For further information please contact The Revd Richard Lloyd by email rgl@charterhouse.org.uk.