Soon-to-be graduate returning to Africa to build clinic

Michael Olson and Margaret Khan’s goal is to have a clinic open in Uganda by 2009.

By John Shaughnessy

When Margaret Khan steps forward to receive her diploma on May 5, she will be like most college seniors—reaching another important milestone in the remarkable journey of life.

Yet Khan’s journey seems even more special because of how it began and where she hopes it will lead.

Just seven years ago, Khan left her home in Africa and came to the United States to help her sister-in-law care for her child who was born with severe disabilities.

That experience was part of Khan’s motivation for getting a job at a hospital then later deciding to become a registered nurse.

Now, at 43, Khan is preparing to receive her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Marian College in Indianapolis—a degree she hopes to use to return to her village in Uganda to build a needed clinic for the people there.

“I had gone back there this summer,” Khan says. “In the whole region, there were only two registered nurses. In the area where I was born, most of the people don’t have access to health facilities. The more information I got, the more inspiration I got to do something.”

Her dream has gained the support of Sister Demetria Smith, a member of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and a mission educator for the archdiocese, who lived and worked in Uganda for 20 years.

“I would never have the energy and the courage to pursue this like she has done,” Sister Demetria says. “She has a dream to help her country and her village.”

Serving as a consultant, Sister Demetria told Khan that the clinic will need two important elements: water and an extra room where people can stay for the night because many of them will have to walk miles to reach the clinic. She also told Khan that collecting donations of aspirins, Vaseline, bandages and plastic gloves will help the clinic better serve its patients.

“We need the strength of God to do this,” Sister Demetria says. “We need the help of the Holy Spirit and other people to do this.”

One person who has already stepped forward to help Khan is Michael Olson, a physician assistant at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Olson had been seeking the right international project to make a difference when his wife, Patricia, told him in December about one of her friends from work—Khan—and her dream.

“I’ve traveled a lot,” says Olson, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Carmel, Ind., in the Lafayette diocese. “I’ve seen how much need there is in the world. Another reason I want to become involved is that Christ taught us we need to take care of the sick and children. And this is a project where we can do both.”

Khan and Olson made a fact-finding trip to Uganda in March. They were both moved by the children affected by malaria and the families devastated by the AIDS pandemic in Africa.

They have set up a non-profit organization for the Muira Village Health Center, and their goal is to open the clinic in 2009. Besides providing basic care to people, they want the clinic to have a birthing room and offer midwife services.

Before her dream of a clinic becomes a reality, Khan wants to pursue her master’s degree and continue working as a bedside nurse to develop her skills. Right now, she also wants to savor the feeling of graduating from college.

“It’s unbelievable,” she says, her eyes dancing. “It’s not been easy, but with everyone’s encouragement, I’ve done it.”

Her friend, Patricia Olson, gives her all the credit. She’s amazed at how Khan pursued her college degree while working full time at Seton Specialty Hospital in Indianapolis, where they first met.

“She’s inspirational,” Patricia Olson says. “She’s overcome huge obstacles, muscled through, and created a dream for herself and other people.” †