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Since I left Swaziland, Australian Volunteers International has procured a speech clinician for the region for the next two years. However, she may be interested in some assistance and I would be more than willing to forward any e-mails.
Short Term volunteers typically pay for their own flight and living expenses. Board at Good Shepherd Hospital was around $30 per week. If you are interested in volunteering on a more long-term basis (6+ months), a stipend of approximately $350/month + room and board, and flight reimbursement may be available through Catholic Medical Mission Board (www.cmmb.org) at a variety of locations worldwide. Alternately, groups like Volunteer Abroad (www.volunteerabroad.com) will place you in a variety of volunteer positions at a price.
Other Ways to Help
Aside from volunteering, if you are interested in helping, I am currently collecting new or used children's books to create classroom libraries at St. Joseph's Mission School. I am also collecting cash donations to both fund the classroom libraries and to pay a disabilities program to build the bookcases in Swaziland. Additionally, any arts and craft materials-pens, markers, paper, glue-are always useful for both the school and children's ward.
For the hospital, simple toys (e.g., dinosaurs, cars/trucks, dolls, board games) would make the children's ward a more interesting and stimulating place. Children's videos would also be wonderful. Home-based care can always use Tylenol, triple antibiotic creams, soap, waterless hand cleaner, and other supplies.
Donations to "Friends of Good Shepherd" fund are also appreciated. It costs families $2.50 to make an outpatient visit but often they can't afford this. Inpatient stays (also $2.50 per day) rack up and until the bills are paid patients can't go home, meanwhile accruing more costs. This fund covers hospital services and transportation for families in need.
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