Julina Kaakunga
Helena-Tangi Shigwedha (28) founded Hope Community Clinic Centre to guarantee that everyone has access to high-quality and compassionate healthcare services.
She was inspired to establish the clinic after seeing gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly for the underprivileged, and feeling a strong desire to make a meaningful impact in their lives.
“I have accumulated five years of experience in private hospital settings, where I honed leadership skills, while serving as a senior and ward-linked nurse responsible for infection control and prevention,” said Shigwedha.
In addition to having qualifications in nursing science, occupational health and safety, digital marketing, healthcare administration and change management, she is a registered nurse/midwife, who is presently pursuing a master’s degree in public health.
Located in Dorado Valley, Ara Street, near Channel 7, the clinic opened its doors on 14 August 2023.
However, in its brief two-month life, Hope Community Clinic Centre has achieved a few things.
“One of our major successes was the launch of the ‘Free Breast Cancer Screening and Awareness’ campaign, which ran throughout October. A total of 218 women were screened for breast cancer at no cost, and valuable awareness was provided,” she stated.
On 19 August 2023, the initiative also collaborated with the Paulia Caring Foundation during an outreach event in Groot Aub.
Here, they offered a range of services, including free medical check-ups, health education sessions, implant insertions, circumcision and several other vital help to the local community.
Patients receiving care at the Hope Community Clinic Centre appear to be satisfied with their care.
Shiindi Shiimi Jakobs said it was a great experience.
“At Hope Clinic, we are made to lie down, and they check on us while telling us what the problem is. It’s not like going to regular doctors, who just sit and write without telling you what the issue is.”
She was in agreement with fellow patient Alina Kapolo that Hope Clinic exudes a tremendous deal of passion.
“I go there for my prenatal visits every time, and I always have a positive experience. The thing I love the most is that they will send you to the best specialists in the country if they believe they are unable to help in any manner.”
Similar to Jacobs, Kapolo has made a total of three visits to the clinic.
“Our apparent challenge stems from being in the early stages, where we may not have sufficient funds to support the level of publicity we intend for the clinic. Additionally, there’s a need for funding to acquire advanced medical equipment and conduct outreach campaigns in the community,” Shigwedha added.
This is a private business, which is solely owned and financed by the young lady, who decided to restrict the sourcing for the start-up capital to two major sources: part of it from personal savings, and the rest from soft loans by family and friends.
No loans, grants or donations were used in setting up the clinic.
Shigwedha prioritises time management and organisational skills, which have helped her plan effectively, creating a schedule that makes it easier for her to focus on both her work and studies.
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