From Canada

Western Heads East, a project that I am so proud to be a part of.
I first learned about the project in fall ’06 when a summer WHE intern, Jaimie, spoke of her experience in Tanzania. I was blown away by what she had learned and how she was able to contribute to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS in Africa. I was eager to learn more about what I could do to fight for the same cause. At the time, I was lucky enough to have a class with a very passionate professor and researcher, Dr. Sharaheh Hekmat. Dr. Hekmat shared with me her involvement with the project and pointed me toward the WHE website so that I could learn about the project from its inception in 2004. I was then able to hook up with the student run Fundraising and Awareness Committee at Western as a volunteer.
Over the course of the year I was able to lend my assistance for events on and off campus and had the opportunity to meet and befriend the upcoming summer and fall interns. I felt so inspired by all of the positive energy from the student body, steering committee and supportive faculty staff that applied for the position as an intern. After a few weeks of anticipation I was notified that I had been selected to travel to Tanzania in January 2008…. And so the preparations began.I can not compliment the WHE team enough for demonstrating such impeccable work ethic. They all put in countless hours of time and energy to ensure a positive experience both for the student interns, and for those that we are partnered with in Africa.
The past interns have been a tremendous amount of support to me and for one another. Whether through sharing Swahilli lessons, research projects or personal experiences, the WHE team works together toward the common goal of sustaining a grassroots community development program based on microbiology and nutrition. I encourage you to learn more about what the project has to offer and how it has grown and developed over the years: www.westernheadseast.ca . I will end it here for today. Blogging is brand new for me, so over the next few weeks I am going to have to ask for your patience.