A journey of a thousand miles
A journey of a thousand miles
It was another normal working day for Oscar at the KMA building in Upperhill. Unbeknown to him, his life was about to have a complete turnaround for good. He was a security guard, a job he secured after high school. He had good days and others that were not so good because, according to him, there was no such thing as a bad day.
On his good days, he enjoyed assisting patients with directions within the building while others with difficulty taking the stairs, he assisted them in using elevators. His nature of work was demanding, especially of his time, that he barely had time for his young family. Those were the not so good days. But what’s a man to do when he has a family to feed? He rolls up his sleeves, toil and hopes for a better day.
One evening, Oscar was at his workstation as usual when one of the ENT doctors was making his way out of the building. He spotted a worried-looking man, his hands akimbo, staring at the floor as he bit his lower lip. “Jambo Oscar”, he greeted him. As if he had been woken up from a dream, Oscar quickly stood up straight and smiled. “Good evening, sir.” “Kila kitu iko sawa?” the doctor asked. “Daktari, tafadhali ukiskia kazi mahali please assist me”, he responded.
That conversation that day between Oscar and Dr. Wahome, one of City Health Hospital (CHH) directors, was the beginning of Oscar’s turn around. He asked him to share his resume and two weeks later; he received a call from the human resource officer inviting him for an interview. CHH was looking for a housekeeper then.
Oscar joined CHH in November 2017 as a housekeeper and later doubled up as the office messenger. As he continued to work, CHH’s directors supported Oscar to gain driving skill by paying in part his tuition fee at a driving school.
Later, in 2021, the head of the laboratory at CHH learned of an opportunity that would help the lab improve on service delivery. They needed a phlebotomist to help in the collection of samples for tests at the comfort of people’s homes, offices or other hospitals that don’t have lab services. The head of the lab recommended Oscar for that role. CHH funded in part a two-month training at the Gertrude Hospital in June and July, 2021.
“I am thankful that I am not where I started. This new role has given me exposure, as I can meet and serve different people. I have also grown financially and can provide for my family. And I now have time for my family because I can get off days. I am grateful to the directors for holding my hand and for this growth. And I hope to keep growing.”
CHH’s laboratory is always on the move. Wherever you are, we are just a phone call away. Our well-equipped lab offers a wide range of services at very affordable cost. And our able phlebotomist, Oscar Angode, can’t wait to meet you.
