We’re excited to share the heartfelt story of Dr. Agna, a dentist from Krakow, Poland, who recently spent two weeks volunteering in Tanzania with our Bugisi community. Dr. Agna realised her dream of delivering essential dental care to underserved communities in Africa, bringing both her expertise and compassion to those in need.
Her letter offers a vivid account of her experiences—highlighting the challenges she faced, the joy of connecting with the community, and the impact of her work. Dr. Agna’s reflections beautifully capture the essence of her mission and the meaningful connections she made with those she served.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Agna for her dedication and remarkable service. Her commitment to improving dental health in our small community has made a significant difference, and her willingness to share her experiences enriches our collective efforts. Thank you, Dr. Agna, for your invaluable contribution and for inspiring us all with your passion and compassion.
I am a dentist from Krakow, Poland with 19 years of work experience. My dream was to go to Africa where I could help by doing my job. Thanks to Doctors Africa, the Jagiellonian University and Sister Kate from Bugisi Health Center, the dream became a reality.
Two weeks swiftly passed during my time at the OLA Mission in Bugisi, each day brimming with both challenges and rewards. We came to the mission with all the equipment and materials needed for work, a heart brimming with idealism and hands eager to serve, we embarked upon our journey uncertain of what lay ahead.
Though the journey was hard, it was consistently fulfilling. Tanzania proved to be an an amazing country, adorned with radiant smiles and hearts overflowing with gratitude for any assistance rendered. During the previous week, we paid a visit to the nearby OLA primary school overseen by Sister Patience, where we conducted a short lecture on oral hygiene, distributing toothpaste, toothbrushes, frog hats, and stickers to over 300 students. The result of our visit was the presence of the children in the dentist’s office the following day for dental services. I will always remember their beaming smiles. Witnessing the children’s enthusiasm was immensely gratifying. The school serves as not just an educational institution but also a sanctuary where children can truly be children. Venturing further, we reached out to some of the poorest families in the local communities, offering essential provisions such as food and even providing a mattress for an elderly lady who had been sleeping on tattered rags. Last week, accompanied by our dental equipment, we journeyed to the neighbouring Mwamapalala Mission, where we were warmly received by Sister Monica and her fellow OLA Sisters. News of our arrival had preceded us, thanks to the sisters’ outreach efforts. In our work, we met patients whom we unfortunately could not help, including those with tumors in the oral cavity, their gratitude for our attention and willingness to wait for specialist intervention from Europe deeply moved us.
Is embarking on a mission suited for everyone? Certainly not. However, but for those compelled by an innate desire to selflessly help others, yes. I met such people in Bugisi and Mwamapalala with kindred spirits namely Sr Kate, like a mother, sometimes strict, but always compassionate, with a big heart, helps everyone who asks.
As members of the organization ‘Doctors Africa’, we give a hundred percent of ourselves and are eager to learn new things and share our experience. The patients are extremely grateful, and their unwavering trust in us left a lasting impression, reinforcing the belief that even the smallest acts of service can serve as a catalyst for positive change in the world.
The time spent here will be forever engraved in my heart.
With Love,
Dr. Agna (Daktari wa Mano)