Patient hostel completed at CURE Zambia
Over the years, we have witnessed an increase in the number of patients seeking services from CURE Zambia. In order for us to meet this need, we began construction of a patient hostel that would increase our long term patient bed space on the hospital campus. The construction of the building has been completed and was made possible through financial support from Beit Trust for the construction, and Hope587 for the furnishings and linen needed for the hostel to be functional.
The patient hostel was built to support the lodging needs of patients and guardians and expand bed space. The hostel was officially opened in October 2020. At the grand opening, CURE co-workers gathered to dedicate the building to God. Our Executive Director Frida Kabaso, thanked the partners and everyone who participated in this project, “Allow me to express my sincere thanks to Beit Trust, we have had a long relationship that has grown over time and we appreciate their continued support to CURE Zambia.” Frida also expressed CURE’s gratitude to Hope587 who have continued supporting us in various ways so that we may continue providing services to children with treatable disabilities. She also conveyed gratitude to her predecessor, Steve Hitt, who was part of the team when this project started. Frida noted that the hostel will allow the team more time with patients to engage with them, counsel them, and to share the gospel. Dr. Lastroni, CURE Zambia’s Medical Director, stated that the hostel will give an opportunity for patients that are coming from far away to be accommodated as they plan their travel. He said, “It will give us an opportunity to treat more patients but at the same time it will be a place where the hospital team will be able to engage all the patients at the spiritual level much better with more time.” Our Spiritual Director Pastor Terence led the gathering in prayer by thanking God for His provision and dedicating the building to Him.
The newly constructed hostel has six male beds and fifteen female beds, a total of four toilets, four showers with two toilets, and two showers with special access for persons with disabilities. It also has a multipurpose space to be utilized as a playroom for the children or as a counseling room. In times of high occupancy, the multi-purpose space could also be utilized to house five extra beds. It also has a large covered porch for the guardians and patients to interact and foster community.
Our partnership with Beit Trust dates back to before the first brick was laid for the construction of the hospital. After CURE International signed an agreement with Zambia’s Ministry of Health in 2004, in which the government donated 60 acres of land, Beit Trust provided $1.5 million to support the construction of the hospital as a centennial gift to the people of Zambia. Over the years, they have continued to fund hospital projects, the latest being the newly constructed patient hostel.
We have also enjoyed a warm partnership with Hope587. Over the years, they have supported different hospital initiatives including supporting the transport needs of underprivileged patients who could not afford the travel costs to the hospital. They have also purchased hand sanitizers and other supplies to support us during the COVID pandemic. Previously, Hope587 partnered with us to co-fund the construction of the training center, which was officially commissioned in 2018.
Footnote: Article written by Chaanga Mungalu, Storyteller at CURE Zambia.
