The Iselin Center - A Memorial of Love
The Iselin Center opened in March together with the official opening of Core Community Development Center and Training Campus. Three weeks later 4 babies have been born in the center, and many pregnant or nursing women have visited for consultations.
The Iselin Center is a story of great sorrow and despair turned into a tremendous blessing for many poor people in Mindoro. Iselin Østerholt died far too young in a terrible accident when walking in the mountains with her dad. Iselin had earlier been visiting her uncle Noralv in the Philippines and seen how the new center in Mindoro reached out to poor people, especially the indigenous people there. Iselin was deeply touched by what she saw, and wanted to help. After her death her parents, Kari and Lars Martin, wanted to honor her wish by helping the people she had so wanted to help.
At her burial people were informed about the plans for helping the poor on Mindoro, and many wanted to give their support. As a result the health center was financed, and given the name Iselin Center in her memory. The center will be used as a birth clinic, medical center, health information and a dental office to people who have no money to pay for such services.
The Iselin Center is a story of great sorrow and despair turned into a tremendous blessing for many poor people in Mindoro. Iselin Østerholt died far too young in a terrible accident when walking in the mountains with her dad. Iselin had earlier been visiting her uncle Noralv in the Philippines and seen how the new center in Mindoro reached out to poor people, especially the indigenous people there. Iselin was deeply touched by what she saw, and wanted to help. After her death her parents, Kari and Lars Martin, wanted to honor her wish by helping the people she had so wanted to help.
At her burial people were informed about the plans for helping the poor on Mindoro, and many wanted to give their support. As a result the health center was financed, and given the name Iselin Center in her memory. The center will be used as a birth clinic, medical center, health information and a dental office to people who have no money to pay for such services.
Local People Involved
Midwife Landa Mamildang is originaly from a neighbouring village, and are now receving pregnant and nursing women at the new center. Many babies will have a good and safe start at the Iselin Center!
Flying Start for Iselin Center
The day after the opening of the center MWBPI arranged a Medical Mission offering consultations, medicines and treatment for free from physicians, dentists and midwifes. About 400 people turned up to get help.
The Story Continues
Kari and Lars Martin Østerholt, mother and father of Iselin, will still continue to help the people they have come to love in Mindoro - both with money and practical help. She as a dentist, he as engineer, organizer and dental assistant! Next milestone will be raising money for a vehicle which can transport people and relief aid.