Dr John: I am an orthopaedic surgeon by profession, having studied in Uganda for my undergraduate degree and the UK for my specialism in Orthopaedic surgery. I became involved with the project through a fellow church member and initially helped as an advisor on health matters. I have now been part of this project since 2014 and seen it progress to its current level, despite many challenges along the way. The project has always demonstrated exceptional selfless service. I was moved by the example of the pioneer, Sharon Oliver & her husband of Eagles Wings, who have constantly demanded financial integrity & have overseen the project themselves. Bruce & Sharon could have remained in comfort in the UK, but have shown genuine care for some of the most needy of our nation. I, too, could have chosen to stay in the UK after my training, but I came back to Uganda to serve my own people. I feel we are united in the common cause of selfless service to those in dire need. My own desire to serve those who are desperate caused me to form a charity called SAS (Service above Self) Africa. I am currently involved in the refugee camps, offering critical medical services to South Sudanese refugees through emergency, life saving surgery & issuing appropriate prosthetics in partnership with UK charity Eagles Wings. I am proud to be associated with the vision. We aim to stretch each financial contribution to the maximum in order to ensure the lives of mothers and babies in our care are saved from simple medical conditions, which if ignored can result in severe complications and even subsequent death. A small amount of money can achieve so much and I beleive with partners joining this worthy project through monthly donations, whether big or small, the objectives of ROSMC will be achieved.

Esther Ikiring: I am proud to have been appointed as the Clinical Lead at ROSMC. I come from Kumi District and my family consists of my parents and four younger brothers. The main challenge I have had in life has been proving my value as a girl and finding the money to attain my medical qualifications. My desire is to see all peoples needs met, especially in hard to reach communities. I was privileged to visit South Africa for training on how we can integrate our professional skills among communities in different countries, hence worked in Kenya. These opportunities have given me valuable experience and a wider vision. I am a smiley person and love adventure. I have many interests: art and design (specially for ladies), netball (which we can now play on site), cooking and gospel music.

Winnie: I come from Zombo District, West Nile Region and I am the lead nurse. I am the second born in a family of 5 girls and one boy. I also have three children of my own. I lost my Mum to cancer in September 2016, the very week Rose of Sharon became operational. My mother, Stella Nighty was the one who brought Sharon Oliver to Nebbi and worked tirelessly with her to see this medical facility built. She dedicated her life to caring for the women and children in this children and would be so proud of what has been achieved. CComing from a very humble background, I have encountered several challenges all of which have only helped to propel me further in life.I am the proud holder of a Bachelors Degree in Nursing which I can’t thank God enough for. One of my greatest heart’s desires is to make a difference in healthcare and to leave a legacy. I have worked in several rural health centres including Uleppi in Arua and Nyapea in Zombo District. I have also been privileged to work in some of the biggest hospitals in the country like International Hospital Kampala, Mulage National Referral Hospital and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital during my training. My dream however, is to become a nursing professor and help shape the attitude of nurses around the globe. I also want to see an end to child marriages and teenage pregnancies in West Nile Region, which currently has the highest number of teenage pregnancies in the country. I am a kind hearted person who outs God at the centre of all of my dreams and aspirations. I love cooking (and eating of course), cleaning and just being happy with the people around me.

Agnes: I am known as Aggie and come from Kamuli. I am a senior midwife and love working at ROSMC. I particularly enjoy managing the deliveries of new babies, conducting village outreaches and educating mothers on pregnancy related risks. My own childhood was difficult but I have become a very loving person and want to make a difference in the lives of my patients. Helping women have safe deliveries is my heartbeat as a midwife. On my day off I enjoy watching movies, taking evening walks, cooking and catching up on my sleep. I am motivated by seeing that whatever I have planned for the day is accomplished, which makes me an achiever. One day I would like to have a flight in an aeroplane and visit the UK.

Tausi: It has always been my dream to work with a humanitarian NGO. I come from Kampala and have a degree in Business Computing and a Diploma in Hotel Management. I have worked for many years in the service industry, looking after guests from many nations, so feel I am equipped to manage the non clinical requirements at ROSMC. Sometimes, when I am thinking, I am told that my face can look a bit gloomy and complicated, especially on a hot day, but I am the most welcoming and warm hearted person if you take a minute to understand me. Mama Sharon says that when I smile, it is as if the sun has come out! I have enjoyed developing a new skill and have experimented growing fruit trees and flowers in the grounds of ROSMC. I am very proud of the hedge which I planted to keep the goats out and its growing very well. It is a challenge being so far away from my family but I have a passion for the malnourished children of Uganda and hope that one day, I and ROSMC will play a part in seeing the newborn grow into healthy children and reach their potential. I have known Mama Sharon for several years and have taken a personal interest in the ROSMC project since its conception. I am so excited to witness the vision become a reality and to be part of the team in Nebbi, caring for the mothers and strengthening their families as the medical facilities at ROSMC increase.

Gertrude: I am an enrolled nurse at ROSMC. My hisband is called Charles and we have a daughter called Masagurwoth Princes Parvin who is away at school during term time. We live in Thuli village. I joined a medical team because it was my ambition to save lives. At ROSMC I love the freedom I have to interact and relate freely with my patients. I am an empathetic listener and care deeply about the challenges people face. Sometimes stresses at work are unavoidable and balancing work and family ties can be hard. I enjoy spending time at home with my husband on my day off and I love it when my daughter hides with her Grandmother’s phone to text me when she is missing me. I am motivated by a word of appreciation and if I could have a wish, it would be to go for fruther studies. I love travelling and adventure and would love to visit the United Kingdom one day, but the furthest I have travelled so far is to the border with Kenya.

Costa: I am from Arua District. I was raised by my uncle and live with my sister. I am a midwife at ROSMC and am so happy. It feels like my family. I love it when I deliver a baby and the mother remains in good condition and then, seeing the baby growing and doing well without any complications. The main challenge in my life was being an orphan and growing up without any maternal or paternal love and care. Maybe that is why I desired to be part of a medical team, to help people in a bad condition become better psychologically, menatlly and physically. Appreciation from my patients makes me feel humbled. I would always want to be sure they are in good condition. I enjoy learning through others and discovering new things and places. I visited Fort Portal and Kasese for studies and travelled to Mbale for a national tournament representing my nursing school.

Micheal: I was born in Kampala but am an Alur from Paidha, Zombo District. I have several brothers and sisters which made finding finances for education very challenging. However, I made it to Jinja Medical Laboratory Training School and qualified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant. Now I value education and being able to support my younger siblings who look up to me. Working with ROSMC is such a huge opportunity for me to put to use the skills that I gained, particularly diagnosing life threatening diseases among members of the community, such as Malaria, Typhoid, Diabetes, HIV and others. Together with the professional staff of ROSMC, I am determined to improve the outcome in maternal healthcare, resulting in a decrease in maternal deaths in the West Nile Region. With the expansion to providing a cervical cancer screening service, I look forward to playing a part in the new project which will also save many lives. On a personal level, I enjoy deep intellectual conversations, acquiring knowledge on anything that will increase value to myself and the community, travel and cooking. I chose a medical career because I wanted a noble profession that would enable me to serve others. I am quite athletic and enjoy basketball. It is great we have been given a basketball and hoop to keep the staff fit! I also love literature, art, music and have an eye for unusual things. Most of all, I love life. The very fact that I wake up alive and healthy, fuels me to use every breath productively, to achieve what I can and also give what I can afford. I wish to establish myself educationally, financially, spiritually and socially.

Harriet: I am an Alur by tribe from Nebbi District. My village is just 14km from ROSMC. I am married with a baby of my own and I speak the local language which is important as many of the local community do not speak English. Like many women, my biggest challenge is balancing work and family. when my baby was small, I used to work with him tied to my back, but now I am forced to employ a maid to look after my home and children which is very difficult on my salary as a nursing assistant. I appreciate ROSMC giving free medical services to the staff. I am one of the longest serving members at ROSMC and chose to work there to improve the health of expectant mothers by educating them on the importance of antenatal care and the risks of home delivery. We also teach mothers the importance of immunisation and family planning. Working with the other determined staff helps me to contribute to positive change in this community through good team work and by developing good relationships with the local community.