A Simple Connection That Made a Big Difference for Volunteers in Peru

During a recent medical mission in rural Peru, volunteers not only brought much-needed care to underserved communities but also found new ways to stay connected to their families and friends. In this post, we reflect on how a simple connection – one that many of us take for granted – made all the difference for these dedicated individuals.

Medical Ministry International (MMI) is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing medical care and resources to underserved communities globally. They began their work in Peru in 1999, and since then, their efforts have grown significantly, with over 100 volunteers traveling to the country each year.

Their focus is on tackling immediate healthcare challenges while also working to strengthen and improve health systems in underserved areas for the long term.

In March of this year, our Vice President of Network Operations, Sheldon Penney, was part of the team heading to Peru, volunteering in the coastal town of Camaná at a remote medical clinic. These clinic sites are set up in a range of locations, including church buildings, community centers, health facilities, and public parks – each one providing a unique setting for delivering essential care. The services provided include medical, dental, physical therapy, and optometry.

An example of the group's efforts in this case was the distribution and fitting of wheelchairs to individuals in need. This was a critical part of their mission, as access to mobility aids in these remote areas was rare. The team worked closely with local healthcare providers to ensure that each wheelchair was appropriately sized and adjusted, allowing patients greater independence and improved quality of life.

How Starlink Mini Bridged Communication Gaps

This incredible work is not without its challenges. In such remote areas, the lack of reliable communication can create a sense of isolation for many volunteers.

Equipped with a Starlink Mini, Sheldon was able to establish internet connectivity for those looking to use their smart devices. This technology provides quick-deployable and reliable communication in remote areas, keeping volunteers connected to loved ones. With real-time updates, teams can access mission-critical information, improving coordination and response times. Additionally, enhanced collaboration between local staff and international volunteers ensures seamless teamwork, while emergency connectivity offers a vital lifeline for urgent support. 

" The Mini served as a crucial bridge for us, delivering internet connectivity to an area beyond the reach of traditional solutions," explained Sheldon. "Many of the volunteering staff were nursing students, so this was a great way for them to connect with family back home. It allowed them to share their experiences, some of which may have been hard-hitting and a lot to process."

The team at Network Innovations would like to thank Sheldon and the MMI team for their dedication and impactful work. It’s been an honor to hear about the mission and the impact connectivity can make. 

➡️ Learn more about Medical Ministry International and their work in Peru:
https://www.mmi.org/peru 

➡️ Learn more about Starlink Mini and connect with our team:
https://www.networkinnovations.com/product/starlink/mini  

⬇️ Check out some photographs from the mission: