On July 21, 2024, we had a monthly meeting taking care of the extremely hot weather. Our monthly meeting is held on the second Sunday of the month, but since this month’s meeting falls in the middle of the three-day weekend of Saturday 13, Sunday 14, and Monday 15, we decided to change the meeting to the third Sunday of the month, the 21st. As predicted, the weather was clear and the temperature at the meeting site was 38°C with a humidity of 44%.
It was strictly forbidden to work in the sun, and participants were encouraged to work in tents, tarps, or in the shade of warehouses. We also made sure that they were hydrated at all times. Staff kept a watchful eye on the clock and took a 15-minute break every hour. During the breaks, cold tea, sports drinks, watermelon, and ice cream were served.
The total number of people who gathered in such heat was 25: 8 from the Sagami Women’s University group, 6 from Tama Technical High School, 3 from the Bike & Camp group, Abebe from the Ethiopian group, 3 general volunteers, and 4 staff members. Everyone worked hard in the intense heat and we were able to complete the cleaning, maintenance, and packing of 10 wheelchairs.
Now 26 units are ready for Mongolia. We expect to reach our goal of 90 units by November, while securing about 15 units/month from now on. We will proceed with the work while taking sufficient care to avoid Covid-19 and heat stroke.
July 24, 2024 Secretariat
(How to see the photos)Click on the photos to enlarge them.
Setting up 3 tarps and 2 tents as a top priority. Mr. Abebe, who is the first to arrive at the venue every time, did a great job with this task.
(Left) The thermometer on the table in the shade showed 38°C. (The humidity was 44%.)
(Right) Mr. Yamashita and his two friends from Bike & Camp came to join us in the intense heat. They know a lot about bicycles, so they work with a good technical understanding of children’s wheelchairs.
The photo shows Mr. Yamashita filling out his temperature and contact information while carrying his backpack. Behind him is the Sagami Women’s University members waiting for their turn to fill out the form. On the wall on the left is an Ethiopian flag held up by Mr. Abebe.
(Left) Mr. Abebe immediately got to clean wheelchairs after helping us set up the venue.
(Right) Bike & Camp members cleaning wheelchairs under the guidance of Mr. Yamashita, who has a lot of experience in wheelchair maintenance.
Sagami Women’s University group of eight students, including four trial participants, at work.
Tama Technical High School members working on packing wheelchairs as usual.
Thank you all for your hard work. It was good that no one got heat stroke.
Please note that next month, August, we will meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month, the 18th, instead of the 2nd Sunday for the same reason as this month.