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.
A reflection of my experience as a volunteer intern with Western Heads East, the University of Western Ontario community response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa.
A little bit about me.....
- Stephanie
- I am currently an undergraduate student studying Food and Nutritional Science. During my time in Tanzania, I hope to share the journey of personal growth and discovery with others in the global community. I hope for a mutual transfer of wisdom and knowledge and to share the gift of education for opportunity.
Links
Inspiration
- The future depends on what we do in the present. - Mahatma Gandhi
3 comments:
hey!!!!
I am so glad you decided to do a blog!! It is almost like not real that is how cool it all looks!! Hope you are well! xo
jess
Wow Stephanie! You have put sooo much work into your page. It looks fantastic and has made me realize exactly what life over there is like and what these poor souls have to do without. The children make my heart melt. I feel so bad for them! You should be very proud of yourself for taking the time out of your life to do such a huge thing for the African ppl. They obviously love having you there! Thank you for taking the time to keep us informed. We here in Canada can be quite ignorant to the trials of other ppl in the world! This sure does shed some lite on the reality of it all. Give a hug to a child for me too! Love you, be safe and have fun! Donna
Hi Steph, still reading the blog. It is quite amazing the work you put into the blog and just your very LONG days and work there. I am very amazed by the bright colours everywhere. The people, although having many hardships, always have such a sincere friendliness and ease to their faces! I was also surprised to see FisherPrice toys and colourful garden chairs in some pictures. Donations from U.S/CAN? Or available there to the better off people? I think people like ourselves back here need an honest and clear wake-up call (myself and whininess included!) as we do tend to need, want and collect to merely show off our homes and their contents. The important things in life really do take a second place like time spent with family and friends. We are all at fault - we know nothing more than to work, to earn and then spend. Well I am learning a lot from the contents of the blog which has grown to be huge! and very informative. You are an amazing woman and they must be very thankful to have you there and teaching them all that you are able to with what you have to use. Be well! Lots of love, Donna
Post a Comment