Giving Honor to whom Honor is due! Tom Fjermadel Shalom Clinic

 The Story of the Tom Fjermedal Clinic and Shalom Namutere Project

The Shalom Namutere Project (Uganda) has been a beacon of hope in our community, addressing critical education, health, and development needs for nearly two decades.

This progress has been made possible by the unwavering support of dedicated friends, churches, partnerships, and different groups to whom we are greatly indebted.

  In this issue, we highlight Tom Fjermedal, whose generosity has indelibly impacted countless lives.

A Friendship That Sparked a Movement

In 2006, while living and working in Norway with IFES Norway (Laget), the director of the Shalom Namutere Project met Tom Fjermedal. 

Tom’s kindness was evident from the start as he took on the role of a guide and friend, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience during the director's time in Norway.

This friendship became the foundation for a partnership that would later impact an entire community in Uganda. Inspired by a vision to address poverty and improve living conditions back home, the Shalom Namutere Project was born. Years later, Tom and many other friends would be pivotal in turning this vision into reality. By the way, Tom even attended our wedding.

The Birthday Gift (Tom Fjermedal Clinic)

One kind gesture that still lasts was Tom’s 50th birthday; he invited family and friends to give a financial gift to the project for his birthday gift.  The funds were sent to Uganda and became the seed for establishing a community dispensary/ clinic.

Addressing the critical lack of healthcare services, this clinic has since transformed lives in a community where the nearest functional health center is 8–10 kilometers away. 

                               

The clinic has made strides in improving healthcare access, including:

• Conducting medical missions for dental care for over 500 people.
•  Conducting awareness and Hepatitis B testing for the community.
• Partnering with the Ugandan government to promote primary health care and preventive services. 
  
  
  
• Installing handwashing facilities in over 80 homes. 
• Hosting over 15 medical professionals who have shared their expertise with the community through home visits and seminars. 

• Conducting school visits for reproductive health seminars. 
• Occasionally, sanitary towels are provided for the girls in the community. 
  
  
  

Seeing how much impact can happen through what we consider very little is unbelievable. 

Building a Community Health Center in Honor. 

A few years ago, a community member’s generous donation of land allowed the project to expand its reach. We started constructing a Community Health Center. The construction is in its final stages.

                                                    

The Shalom Community Health Center will include:

• A maternity wing with a labor ward.
• A laboratory.
• Two consultation rooms.
• A counseling room.
• A pharmacy, dispensing room, treatment room, and reception area.

The health center aims to reduce maternal mortality rates, improve diagnostic capabilities, and expand immunization coverage, among other primary health issues. 

Another Kind Gesture. 

This year, we were thankful when Tom once again rallied his family and friends to give a financial gift for his birthday gifts.  He personally delivered the funds and participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shalom Care School, another transformative initiative under the project.  

While the health center is nearing completion, we still have some work to do. An organization from the USA has pledged to fully equip the facility, but resources are needed to oversee the shipping and installation of the equipment.

A Tribute to Our partners and donors. 

This story is a testament to the power of partnerships and the generosity of donors who believe in the potential of grassroots initiatives. To every individual who has contributed to the Shalom Namutere Project, your support continues to create ripples of change, bringing hope and healing to a community in need.

Thank you, Tom Fjermedal, and your community, family, and friends who have invested immensely in the work of the Shalom Namutere Project. 

To see more, visit us on our Shalom blog and our Shalom Facebook Page.