On November 10, 2024, we had a final meeting for Mongolia. The participants were Vietnamese group, Tama Technical High School group, Ethiopian group, general volunteers, and staff:34 in total.
For Mongolia, the original plan was to send 90 wheelchairs in a 20-foot container. However, due to the large number of oversized wheelchairs that had already been packed, it became clear that the 20-foot container would not be able to hold the 90 wheelchairs. So we decided to switch to a 40-foot container.
This is the first time for us to send wheelchairs to our Mongolian partner, the recipient of this project, on our own. Therefore, we decided to send as many different wheelchairs and equipment as possible for evaluation. The switch to the 40-foot container allowed us to prepare a larger and more diverse selection of equipment.
The contents to be sent to Mongolia this time are as follows: 52 wheelchairs, 13 buggy types, 12 sitting-aid devices, 3 stretchers, 15 walking trainers, 7 standing trainers, 3 bath chairs, and 2 car seats, for a total of 107 units. We also packed 64 prostheses for lower limb support and 8 headgears for head protection in 4 cardboard boxes. It is thanks to the many volunteers that we are able to send such a large number of units.
Vietnamese group prepared “pho” for lunch that day. When they arrived, several members in charge of cooking began preparing the pho. Watching them, it was clear that they put a lot of time and effort into it. At lunchtime, all the participants enjoyed the pho in bowls and raved about how delicious it was. “It’s like we’re in Vietnam, though I’ve never been there,” they exclaimed.
We had a special guest on that day. We handed over a wheelchair to one of the Vietnamese volunteers whose son needed one on August 18. The boy came with his parents on his wheelchair. They really appreciate the wheelchair. However, they had the request for its noisy plastic casters and the height of the seat. We immediately replaced the casters with rubber ones and added an extra seat cushion. He was delighted and seemed comfortable. Later, Tyne joined us in cleaning wheelchairs with his mother.
It was a happy event for us to be able to connect with different people through our activities. We will continue our activities with the participation of many people in the future. Thank you again, everyone.
November 12, 2024 Secretariat
(How to see the photos)Click on the photos to enlarge them.
Ethiopian group, the first to arrive, is setting up the venue again today. They know how to do it, so they are moving ahead on their own.
Once the venue is set up, they begin cleaning and maintenance work.
Tama Technical High School group is in charge of packing.
Vietnamese group is also starting work. Experienced members lead the work.
(Left) Tyne’s wheelchair. An additional cushion was installed by a volunteer, Ms. T, and the front wheel casters were replaced by our staff.
(Right) Ms. T explained the correct way to ride the wheelchair to his parents.
(Left) Tyne and his mother are cleaning a wheelchair.
(Right) Tyne with his father, mother, and Chairperson Morita.
Vietnamese group enjoying making pho.
Pho (left) and Mimigar salad (right) on today’s menu.
(Left) Ethiopian group enjoying Vietnamese cuisine.
(Right) Tama Technical High School teachers and students.
Wheelchair buggy sitting aid walking trainer
standing trainer car seat stretcher bath chair
(Left)prostheses(for lower limb support)
(Right)headgear(for head protection)