Why did you decide to volunteer with A Broader View in Ghana?
Jennifer: I chose to volunteer abroad with ABV in Ghana for many reasons. It has been my goal to have to volunteer in Ghana for sometime, however ABV’s program was not only affordable, but it provided me with the opportunity to customize my own experience. I was invited to provide them with my interests and goals, as well as my previous experience in my desired focus of study.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Jennifer: Each morning I had the privilege of biking to nearby villages, providing wound care to patients at their homes. In the evenings, I worked with some of the communities youth in a drama club program, which prepared skits to perform to both schools and the general community delivering messages such as health promotion and HIV/AIDS awareness. I also had the opportunity to create and deliver lesson plans to the children at the orphanage, as well as just enjoying free time, and playing games with them.
What made this experience unique and special?
Jennifer: This experience was so unique because I felt that it was tailored toward my interests. As a volunteer, I had the opportunity to take from, and experience as much or as little as I chose to.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Jennifer: This experience has not only improved my outlook on life, and our purpose as health care providers, but it has enhanced my cultural awareness. I think that it was very important for me to gain a better understanding of the global needs of medical care, which only strengthened my desire to seek and implement improvements, and encourage awareness, so that others may be motivated to do the same.