Training the next generation of midwives
This Christmas, through our Big Give Christmas Challenge Appeal Hamlin Midwives Save Lives we are aiming to raise £20,000 to support the training and deployment of Hamlin midwives across Ethiopia.
Every day, more than 830 women around the world die as a result of complications from pregnancy and childbirth. If midwives were present during birth, up to 90 percent of these deaths could be prevented, according to the International Confederation of Midwives.
That’s why in 2007, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia opened the Hamlin College of Midwives, training and deploying Hamlin midwives to deliver quality maternal and reproductive health care in rural areas – preventing fistula and saving lives.
Since 2007, 165 Hamlin midwives have graduated from the college and are now working in government health centres across rural Ethiopia.
This year, we welcomed a class of 20 new first year student midwives to the college, following competitive exams where the best students were selected. The students have joined 61 existing students on the college’s four-year undergraduate course, all on full scholarships which are funded through the support of Hamlin donors from around the world.
Facilities at the college are excellent and the curriculum meets the stringent standards of the International Confederation of Midwives, leading to the students graduating with a BSc degree in Midwifery. Classroom studies are combined with placements at hospitals, with all students delivering at least 40 babies before graduation, enabling them to be confident in facing the challenges of their work in remote health centres.
“When I found out I had been awarded the Hamlin midwifery scholarship it was like a dream come true. Before I came here, I expected the college to be similar to other government universities. However, since I have arrived, I feel it is far better. What interests me most is that here we not only study academically, but the college also ensures we become ethically disciplined. I like everything here!”
New 2021 student Hanan Abdulahi from Benishangul region
By donating online during the Big Give Christmas Challenge this week you can double your impact – and help us raise £20,000 to enable Hamlin midwives to deliver quality maternal health care in rural areas – preventing fistula and saving lives.
