CHW’s ‘Love for the job’ earns him recognition
─Min. Lawrence encourages him to push forward in advancing career
DPI, Guyana, Friday, August 23, 2019
After serving his community for nine years as Community Health Worker, Kevon Joseph, he has been recognised by the Ministry of Public Health and his community for his sterling contribution to the village of Baracara, at the health centre.
Joseph will undergo training in the coming months to upgrade his skills before returning and continuing to serve his community. This move will also allow him to be better compensated.
The twenty-nine-year-old said it has always been his dream to become a Medex. A goal he has been steadily working towards after secondary education at the Canje Secondary School in the East Berbice-Corentyne Region.
Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence took note of the young man’s years of service as CHW and felt it was time he received advanced training. This, she believes, will boost self-morale and would maximise the level of health service delivered to residents of Baracara.
“Good work, sacrifice and commitment must be rewarded and the Ministry of Public Health will reward you, for what you are doing here… I know that you have gone way beyond as a CHW in providing services to this community,” the minister said.
Community Health Worker, Baracara Health Centre, Kevon Joseph
Community Health Worker, Baracara Health Centre, Kevon Joseph receives a token of appreciation from Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence
There are several options to Joseph; he can apply to the nursing programme to become a Registered Nurse or Nursing Assistant; he can also access training to become a Medex and thereafter move towards becoming a doctor.
When asked what drove him to dedicate so much of his youthful years to the health sector, Joseph said, “I love this job, I love it so much. Though I have experienced challenges in the past… there is a statement which says, ‘you learn from experience’ and there was also room for improvement on my part so that’s why I find this job very interesting.”
Joseph’s wife, who is also a CHW, has been sent to Georgetown to undergo training in Midwifery.
The minister presented Joseph with a tangible gift and noted that she expects to see his application soon.