The Central Bilal Board organized a Dental Camp in Kigoma and its surrounding villages, from 19th to 30th January 2019.
Various volunteers from the Community especially those in the Dental field volunteered their expertise and services at the Camp.
Below are extracts of what the Youth Volunteers had to say about their experience in volunteering in remote villages for the Free Dental Camp.
IMRAN DHANANI – REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS
I was blessed with the opportunity of working with Bilal Muslim Mission during a dental Camp between January 19th to January 29th held at Bilal’s Igalula center in Uvinza District.
There was a variety of roles to be undertaken by volunteers during the camp, for example; registration, blood pressure and blood sugar checking, dentistry and sterilization of instruments to name a few. The roles I played a part in was being a dental assistant and registration. While being a dental assistant, I managed to learn and gain lots of practical skills and information on dental health, and we learnt how extractions and fillings are carried out. Sitting at the registration desk allowed me to converse with the villagers and find out more about them. This helped me connect with them and understand the situations they live in.
The camp had about 15 volunteers who were from Dar es Salaam and Dr. Mohamed Dhirani from Arusha. Furthermore, we managed to create a close bond with everyone helping at the camp which will last a life time and promote future such development.
During the camp, we also had the chance of helping out with spreading the message of our religion. We visited the schools that were in the centres of Igalula and Katumbi and managed to speak to the children and teachers about Islam. We were also given the opportunity to work with the teachers and give them ideas on the ways they can improve their teaching.
During the days of our camp we managed to have a lot of little adventures where we went for swimming in the lake, kayaking, fishing and chimpanzee hiking in the area. While doing this I managed to realize and appreciate the beauty of nature, and recognize Allah’s grace through his creations.
ABBAS MOHAMED – OPERATIONS MANAGER ID PRESS LTD.
This trip has been an amazing experience for me personally. Helping out people who lack basic / up to date medical facilities has given me happiness and the drive that makes me feel I can do more to give back to the community.
Assisting in the Dental Field has been an exciting adventure where I got to learn experience and assist Doctors in action.
This trip has also allowed me to make life-long friends, make memories and exchange past experiences.
The best part of the trip was to get up-close and personal with Chimpanzees in their natural habitat was very adventurous.
I would like to thank our host, Bilal Muslim Mission and Sheni Uncle for giving me this opportunity and to mentor me.
ZAHEEDA DATOO – STUDENT
The Bilal Igalula dental camp has taught me a-lot, as a science student I have always been fascinated by teeth & general dentistry, looking at all the treatments directly has shown me another side that I was not aware of. I gained knowledge of all the working tools and techniques required to extract and fill in teeth.
We started all our morning sessions by Jamaat prayers reciting Dua E Hujjah to strengthen our core and pray to Allah that we can accomplish our goals for the day.
We also, went fishing and hiking which was a great experience and, in the process, I learnt quite a lot about nature from watching beautiful sunrises whilst kayaking and trekking for the Chimpanzees.
Socially, I have been exposed to different kinds of people with whom I have definitely made a family like relationship. Living in the bush is learning how to adjust to the situations and this trip has taught me exactly that. In conclusion, some areas of the world still require our utmost help for medical services and basic needs and we as humans should stand united to provide/assist these less fortunate.
SAUSANFATIMAH KARIM – STUDENT
I was given the opportunity to be a part of a dental camp with Bilal Muslim mission and serve the people of Igalula Village. This trip taught me so much in so many different aspects. I came across children who had never seen a toothbrush or a toothpaste.
Happiness comes from within as the kids and people were all so cheerful and happy. It’s amazing to see how enthusiastic the kids were in the classes in both school and madrasah. It was amazing to see how many people gathered for the congregational prayers early in the morning in the cold, and how many people came for Tuesday and Thursday Duas.
I took part of the dental camp as a volunteer and a photographer, and I had the opportunity to visit the different schools and villages that were screened, and to go for solar powered water pipe laying.
I made friends with so many locals villagers too, and I learnt so much from them ranging from carrying a baby chicken to skin a goat. I had the opportunity to go for the chimp trekking and could learn so much about the history of the Mahale Mountains National Park.
I’ve learnt to kayak and fishing, things I never even expected myself to do.
All in all, the biggest thing I’ve learnt is to be grateful to Allah SWT and happy for whatever I have, and to always try to help people because there’s a different type of happiness that comes from assisting people.
ZAINHASSAN SADIQ – AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS
First of all we thank
the Almighty Allah SWT for the opportunity to serve humanity. I am glad that I
was part of this Bilal Free dental camp to volunteer for this noble cause.
I feel honoured that I was able to serve my fellow less fortunate Tanzanians
who needed this sort of treatments due to lack of the medical facilities in the
remote villages.
Volunteering for the dental camp has made me realize how important working as a
team is, also learning about what dentistry is all about.
I urge the people of our community to support and volunteer for such camps,
inshallah we pray to Allah SWT to bless us such opportunities to serve His
creation. Ameen. Also, thanks to all who made this possible and we pray
Allah SWT blesses them and gives them a long life so that we can serve more
inshallah.
We wish to thank these Volunteers for their time and dedication and for sharing
their experiences with us which reflect their appreciation to the Almighty for
the blessings bestowed on them and for appreciating the opportunity to serve
Humanity especially the under privileged Society.
Central Bilal Board
Dar-es-Salaam