Charles University students on internship in Uganda have a clear message for donors

Nursing students Veronika Janišová and Tereza Bryndová from Charles University spent two months on an internship at the Czech St. Charles Lwanga Hospital in Buikwe, Uganda. The facility, which grew from the support of Czech donors, surprised them not only with its scope but also with the professionalism of care. „If donors came to see it, they would be moved,“ both students agree.

Future nurses Veronika and Tereza chose as their internship location during their first year of study a healthcare facility that Archdiocesan Caritas Prague founded in Buikwe, Uganda. They came to the Czech Hospital in Uganda with a desire to gain practical experience and also to participate in healthcare for people living on the edge of poverty.

„We wanted to understand how healthcare works elsewhere. We expected certain challenges, but the warmth of Buikwe’s residents and the hospital staff truly amazed us,“ they describe their first impressions. „We didn’t expect the hospital to be so large and well-equipped. We were pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and scope of care in such a remote area,“ they add.

First week at the hospital

Right after arrival, the hospital team welcomed them with an orientation program. They rotated through various departments: obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and outpatient clinics. Everywhere they worked side by side with local healthcare workers.

„The first week was challenging,“ the students say. „We helped, for example, with cannulation of children in the pediatric ward. It was our first practical experience, and immediately a very powerful one. The children were adorable, and we were surprised by how naturally they accepted us. The medical team was very welcoming, which showed that the language of care is truly universal.“

Responsibility and dedication of local staff

Although they were only volunteers, Veronika and Tereza worked with great commitment. They assisted doctors during rounds, helped manage common illnesses – most often malaria – and learned intensively themselves. An unforgettable experience for them was participating in operating rooms, where they had the opportunity to observe life-saving surgical procedures. They were amazed by the responsibility and dedication with which local healthcare workers approached each patient.

„The staff is very responsible. They dedicate time to educating patients, for example about the consequences of delaying a doctor’s visit. We became convinced that they truly care about people’s health,“ says Veronika. Paradoxically, it was in Africa that she gained practical experience with a holistic approach to treatment, where emphasis is also placed on involving the family in the healing process.

Continuing education system

At the same time, the students learned about the difficulties that healthcare facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa face. These include frequent power outages. „We were moved when we saw how nurses and patients respond in crisis situations. In Uganda, people feel that health is a shared responsibility. We saw how patients sincerely thank healthcare workers, and that was truly inspiring,“ describes Tereza.

They also greatly appreciated the high professional level of doctors and nurses. They didn’t miss a single regular educational seminar, which helps staff stay informed about the latest knowledge. External lecturers come to the hospital from among specialists, even representatives of the Ministry of Health.

Czech aid saves lives

The stay at Czech St. Charles Lwanga Hospital allowed the interns to see with their own eyes what a difference donations from Czech donors make. They realized how important outside help is and how specifically it affects the lives of patients and the work of healthcare workers.

„It was moving to see the impact of donor support in practice. We believe that if donors came to Buikwe in person, they would be moved. When we return home, we will definitely tell them that their support makes sense and that it changes lives,“ promise Veronika and Tereza.

Experiences that can’t be gained from books

In addition to working at the hospital, both immersed themselves in Ugandan culture. They received Ugandan names: Veronika the name Sanyu (happiness) and Tereza the name Mirembe (peace). At the end of their stay, the hospital management officially thanked them and presented them with jerseys from Uganda’s national football team, the Uganda Cranes, with their new names on the back.

„Our stay was tremendously beneficial for our studies. What we experienced here cannot be gained from books – you must be directly in the field. It is undoubtedly one of those experiences we will carry with us for our entire lives,“ they conclude.