In collaboration with the Department of Public Health in Chuuk, the 2024 summer community health program took place at the Philadelphia Christian School on Tol Island.

In preparation for the program, our team—comprising RIC volunteers from the USA and Germany and staff from Chuukiyenú—visited the people in and around the village of Chuukiyenú. 

The volunteers and staff supplied non-prescription medication, offered wound dressing, collected ideas on local treatment methods and challenges, and extended invitations to the upcoming workshops at the school.

The workshops were held over five days and included practical sessions on Bible stories relevant to caring for our bodies and the environment. All five sessions were held in English and Chuukese:

1 Ran: 

Sipwe sinei nimiti échuw inisich. Sipwe pwan kaeo ika ifa usun ach sipwe safeni kinasach kwe. Sipwe kapas fengen met sipwe feori ren an ewe semwen epwe ekis weires an epwe tori kich. Kapasen Kot lon Paipel: Genesis. 1-2; 1:27 + 2: 7.

2 Ran:

Sipwe kaeo “exercise” pun epwe mokutokut inisich pwe sisap mefi semwen. Sipwe kapas fengen met sipwe feori ren an ewe semwen epwe ekis weires an epwe tori inach o ifausun sis tongeni limiti imach kewe. Genesis 1-2:19; 1: 28 + 2:15

3. Ran: 

Sipwe kaeo ifa usun ach sipwe tumunu inisich mwan me muerin ach bobo. Sipwe pwal kaeo “exercise” o fosfengen usun met mwan me fefin repwe alilis fengen. Ikeneai pwal ach raenin apos. Genesis 2: 20-25; 1.Korint 11:  12

4. Ran: 

Sipwe kaeo ifa usun anach mongo ewe oech ngeni kich. Sipwe pwal alilis fengen won met mi oechea faenitaen anach mongo pwe ewe semwen epwe weires an epwe tori inisich. Sipwe pwal foeri “exercise” fanitan kinamween ach inisich. Genesis 3: 1-24; Rom  5:19

5. Ran:

“Game Day and Prizes”: Ikenaei sipwe “exercise” sefaeli o pwal testeni met sa kaeo fengen lon ach kewe ran.

By incorporating morning exercises, role plays, and lively discussions, participants identified ways to prevent the spread of infections and treat diseases. All the men and women participated in the physical exercises to strengthen their backs and improve mobility.

On two of the days, six staff members from the Chuuk Department of Public Health joined us to educate participants about illnesses such as tuberculosis and to administer vaccinations to children. They stayed overnight with the RIC volunteers, enjoying great food and fellowship.

The program concluded with an interactive quiz to review the training content. While having a jolly good time, the participants answered health and disease-prevention questions, receiving small gifts as rewards for correct answers. Their favourite prize was a special coconut oil from Tolowas.

All the participants expressed their pleasure with the week’s activities, and were eager to know whether more such workshops would be held in the future.