The Franciscan Handmaids International Volunteer Outreach Project (FHIVOP) is an outreach ministry to the people in the rural villages in the Archdiocese of Owerri, Nigeria. FHIVOP:

• offers preventive and primary care including screening, education, rehabilitation, free medicine and referrals for the people in the rural villages in the Archdiocese of Owerri.
• provides opportunities for ministry with the local health professionals for mutual sharing and learning.
• provides an African cultural and spiritual experience for the volunteers.

Once a year, the FMH Associates and a group of volunteers join in ministry. There is an added opportunity for a tour of the Archdiocese of Owerri and its surrounding area.

Wheelchairs and walkers donated by the FHM Sisters for the disabled in Amaima.

FHIVOP works closely with the Catholic Parish and the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) from the community where we render services. FHIVOP is an ecumenical health ministry and serves people of all faiths and race without discrimination, and welcomes volunteers of all denominations. Provisions are made for volunteers from other faith traditions to participate in religious services of their own denomination if they so desire.

Participants

• Health professionals of all fields; physicians, nurses, lab technicians, therapists, and paramedics
• Clergy, religious, and lay people.

FHM Medical volunteer doctor is examining and treating patients in a makeshift clinic. Help is needed to build and equip a health center.

How to Join Us

Application forms are available on request from the FHM Motherhouse. They must be returned by the end of March.

Orientation

An Orientation Day for volunteers, FMH Associates, and those interested in supporting this ministry in Nigeria is held the first weekend in July. Orientation topics are:

• Nigerian Culture
• Traveler’s Health and Safety
• Mission Activities
• The Mission Site and People
• Questions of the participants

If you are interested in attending, please call The Motherhouse before the end of May.

Travel

Sister Maria Goretti Mannix with volunteer doctor

Volunteers travel to and from Nigeria as a group. New York to Lagos by direct flight is 12 hours. New York to Lagos through Europe takes about 18 hours, including a layover of 5 to 6 hours. Lagos to Owerri is about one and a half hours by air. Volunteers from outside New York may meet the group at either the Motherhouse or at the airport. From the airport to the guest house is a twenty minute drive.

This is a two-week mission. You must volunteer for one or two weeks.

Travel Documents and Expenses

Required are a round-trip ticket, which, in August, costs between $1500 and $1800: and a valid passport and visa for Nigeria (the visa costs $120).

Volunteers pay for their tickets, which are purchased through the FHIVOP travel agent.

Subsidies may be available, based on donations received, for those who need financial assistance.

Vaccinations

You will need hepatitis A and B vaccinations for from a primary care physician or from the health department. You will also need to bring malaria prevention medicine and a first-aid kit.

Arrival

On arrival, the FHIVOP members will be welcomed by the parish priest, CWO representatives, FHIVOP coordinators, and Owerri Archdiocesan Health Project representatives.

The group must stay together at all times. No pictures may be taken at the airport or at any military or law enforcement site without authorization.

Lodging

The group will reside at a guest house in Owerri. Food and lodging are provided by the Franciscan Handmaids of Mary. Snacks such as cookies, cheese, crackers and jelly may be brought from home, if so desired. The rooms are well screened but you might want to bring insect repellents for added protection.

Mission Site

The main mission site is Amaimo, a rural community in Owerri. There is no permanent building for the provision of health services. Health services are offered in a church hall and at other sites within the Archdiocese, depending on the need and the number of health-care professionals that volunteer.

Audience with the Archbishop

The Archbishop of Owerri will welcome the group to the Assumpta Cathedral and share with the group some of its history. Together we will explore spiritual growth and possible continued collaboration.

Sightseeing and Archdiocesan Tour

Volunteer doctors and nurses with Catherine Prioleau Capistany, an FHM Associate (seated, center) who joined the Sisters on this mission.

Places within the Archdiocese and its neighboring area include:

• Historical churches
• The largest West African public market
• A museum
• Major hospitals
• Visits with local wood carvers, dressmakers, tailors, and embroiderers. An opportunity exists to have a traditional garment custom-made.
• Great hotels in unexpected places
• Lakes in hidden places

Cultural Experiences

• Visit the home of a traditional ruler
• Experience a traditional wedding
• Celebrations: Odenigbo

What else would you like to experience? Tell us--our coordinators might be able to make it happen.

Help Even if You Can't Come With Us to the Mission

Donated supplies on their way to Nigeria

If you are unable to volunteer, you can support this important ministry by your prayers. Donations are also welcome: Your donations can subsidize the fare of volunteers and purchase needed medical supplies.

For additional information or to volunteer, please contact us.