Morning Palestras

    Every morning after rounds, everyone gathers outside for a one-hour palestra - a vibrant and meaningful group discussion that brings together patients, their families, hospital staff, and community members. These gatherings begin with a few religious songs sung in local tribal languages, setting a reflective and unifying tone.

    The first part of the palestra focuses on spiritual well-being. A short teaching is shared, centered on a passage from the Bible, followed by open dialogue and questions. It's a powerful moment of connection and encouragement. Many of the people are grateful for this space, especially since opportunities for such engagement are rare in their remote villages.

    Next comes the medical education segment. These discussions revolve around common illnesses in the region that affect both children and adults - ranging from preventable conditions to serious, life-threatening diseases. Topics we covered during my time included tuberculosis, hypertension, back pain, tetanus, and even dental hygiene. Each session outlined symptoms to look for, modes of transmission, when to seek help, treatment options, and preventative strategies.

    What stood out to me the most was the eagerness of the community to learn. The discussions were dynamic and thoughtful. People asked insightful questions, shared personal experiences, and actively participated. It was clear that these sessions were not only informative but also empowering. The palestra became more than a lesson - it was a shared journey toward better health and stronger community ties.

My thoughts:

    Being part of the palestra tradition was very cool, to witness and participate in a practice that blends spiritual reflection with practical health education so meaningfully. In these rural communities, where formal education levels are often low and access to information is limited - no internet, no cell service - this gathering becomes a vital source of knowledge. Unlike in the U.S., where people can quickly search their symptoms online and access basic medical information, the people here rely on these daily sessions to learn how to care for themselves and their families. It's their version of public health education, and it makes a real, direct impact. When I mentioned to one of the Angolan staff members that we don't have palestras back home, she was genuinely shocked and asked, "How do you talk to the patients?" That moment made me reflect on how much we sometimes take our resources for granted. I also appreciated the spiritual talks - there's always something powerful and grounding in the stories they share. The lessons in those moments stay with you.