i-MED Open Day
In a vibrant display of commitment to community well-being, i-MED hosted an engaging Open Day at the end of 2023, welcoming local stakeholders to witness the impactful work being done in the greater Gansbaai community by i-MED. The event, attended by community leaders, social workers, local nonprofits, and business leaders, provided an exclusive insight into the groundbreaking initiatives pioneered by i-MED Africa and i-MED Vision jointly.
The visionary founders, Dr Baerbel Reckhardt and Prof Markus Reckhardt, were on hand to showcase the innovative i-MED People App a testament to their dedication to advancing healthcare and education. The People App encapsulates i-MED's mission to bridge gaps in health education and urban gardening, ensuring a holistic approach to community well-being. The app provides access to a tool that teaches caregivers what signs are important to look for in child health, offers recommendations for possible home remedies for less serious ailments, and advises seeking the immediate support of a healthcare professional in more serious cases
What began as a shared vision has now blossomed into two independent organizations: i-MED Vision based in Germany and i-MED Africa here in Gansbaai. These two organizations work synergistically across continents. Representing i-MED Africa was their newly appointed CEO, Adv. Faye Graham. In her short tenure, Faye expressed pride in the collaborative efforts undertaken to address community health challenges. With the help and support of local nonprofit organizations, governments, and businesses, a meaningful community health network has grown, of which they are proud to be a part.
One of the highlights of the Open Day was the demonstration of i-MED's commitment to health education. The i-MED team illustrated their programs that equip community health promoters with the knowledge to teach potentially lifesaving health information in the comfort of their own homes.
Urban gardening took centre stage, showcasing i-MED's dedication to sustainable practices. Attendees were guided through projects aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and promoting healthier lifestyles by learning how to propagate their plants. The integration of medicinal plants into urban gardening practices demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to holistic healthcare.
i-MED also facilitates support groups once a week in Stanford, Gansbaai, and Pearly Beach. Faye expressed gratitude for the community's ongoing support, emphasizing i-MED's mission to create a lasting impact and create partnerships that improve outcomes for our shared community.
The Open Day not only provided a platform for i-MED to share its work but also served as an opportunity for local stakeholders to explore potential collaborations. i-MED welcomes visitors to the centre at 10 Mandela Road, Masakhane. For more information, contact faye@imedafrica.org.
The i-MED Africa Team
