Who are we working with?
If you wish to join us, you will find in this page all the necessary information.
The foundation draws on the humanitarian experience of specialists in vision and hearing, as well as on the support provided by our partners.
THE EXPERIENCES OF OUR TEAMS
Claude Samuel, clinical optometrist committed to the worldwide defense of Human Rights
I share my time between the clinic, the hospital but also between occupied territories whose working conditions are harsher. Going to Rwanda is above all an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, develop your working qualities but also your sensitivity. For example, there are no automatic refractories there, it is all about learning to do with what you have. Moreover, the Rwandan specialists can benefit from the know-how that we can share with them.
Barbara Ameline-Chalumeau, Ophthalmologist specialized in Laser Surgery of Refraction and Cataract, Member of the Board of Directors of the French Society of Ophthalmology
Following our observations during a first mission in 2019, I went to Rwanda to carry out cataract surgeries on adults. The hospital had provided us with an operating room as well as surgical assistance staff. For our part, we had to bring all the necessary equipment, which we obtained for the majority through donations. Finally, we were able to work with the ophthalmologist in charge of the area.
Dominique Orban, ENT in Luxembourg
A few years ago, Laurent Branckaert came to propose to my husband Jérôme Keghian and myself, who are both ENT, to take part in the humanitarian missions he planned to set up with the Fondation Héron. Since then, we have been present for each of them! We saw the missions evolve throughout the years towards a sustainable long-term project. The team was motivated ans united, it was a real pleasure to work with them. t is a joy to find the local health care team from year to year. We discovered a continent, a beautiful country and an endearing population with which we stay in touch.
Sophie Calamand, Switzerland’s Acuitis and Acousti General Manager, optometrist by training
Going to Rwanda is an incredible experience that allowed me to get out of my daily life. In the team, we are all different but still have the same overall background and above all the same goal. There is no longer a company or hierarchy there. I already have my ticket for the next mission.
Jean-Michel Sulpice, Maître de Maison at Acuitis, optician
My first impression of the field was that of a constant hubbub of emotions that one takes in the head. Patients waited hours for our care. After my first mission, I wondered how useful our work really was. Then when I came back and a child from the first mission contacted me, I immediately realized that what we do is essential.
Katlyne Rouzier, Head of Reception at Grand Audition, Hearing Care Assistant
The first approach was strange, a lot of looks, of impregnation of places, of people, then the trust settled each in our way, the need to give, to help, to offer, and they to receive and glimpse an outstretched hand. I immediately felt that we were going to bring something beautiful, human and useful. We arrived at the hotel and all participated in the preparation of bags, equipment.. then at the first school, greeted by hundreds of schoolchildren in song, the emotion overwhelmed us all. The team was warm, family friendly and caring, as if we all knew each other when I didn’t know any of them. From this experience, I remember a success, an accomplishment, a change of mind and a glimmer of hope in the human being. The impression of not having given enough and only one desire: to go back.
Laetitia Welsch, works with Doctor Dominique Orban at the Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg, ENT
On our first day on-site, we were greeted by over 2,000 school children singing. It was an intense personal upheaval. After pre-screening, the children were sent to me for further hearing screening to assess their degree of loss before going to the hospital if necessary. I immediately felt comfortable among the team and in the environment. I can’t wait to go back.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
The Fondation Héron is committed to the prevention of visual and hearing impairment. As a result, it particularly needs specialists in these fields, ready to give their time for fixed-term missions.
HOW’S IT GOING?
If you decide to join us, we recommend that you choose to make your first week stay (Saturday to Sunday).
The arrival in Kigali will take place on Saturday evening and the transfer to Kibungo on Sunday so that you can become familiar with the Héron House and its surroundings. The work you will do on site will depend on your specialization and will start from Monday morning and until Thursday evening mainly in consultation. Friday is reserved, with the consent of the parents, for further consultations for school children to determine if they require surgery.
All expenses, including airfare, accommodation and equipment are covered by the Foundation and the reception will be carried out by our agents already on site. Currently, the time to leave is about 6 months, but the latter may be shortened depending on relations with local authorities.
If after your first mission you wish to return, Maison Héron will welcome you for a stay as long as you wish.