Outstanding Program!

My time in Humjibre with GHEI, to say the least, was an incredible experience. I learned a great deal about NGOs and developmental work and was inspired by the committed relationship that exists between GHEI and the Humjibre community.

I attended the Malaria Winter Session in Dec 09 – Jan 10. Throughout the entire process (before, during, and after) I felt completely supported by GHEI staff. My questions and concerns were promptly addressed and I was very well prepared for my first trip to Africa. GHEI provided me with lots of material prior to departure to help with fundraising, packing, and preparation for the Serve and Learn Session. During the Session, I felt completely safe and was with GHEI staff at all times.

I was in Humjibre with seven other volunteers and we lived in a secure, cement house. The GHEI coordinators lived in the building next to ours. We were able to use flushing toilets and running showers. There was a cook that prepared delicious meals for us. Our diet consisted primarily of rice, beans, cassava, yams, eggs, and pasta. (I am a vegetarian and the cook prepared dishes without fish and chicken for me, which was great!) The local dialect of Twi in Humjibre is Sefwi. I do not speak Twi nor do I speak Sefwi, but the younger generations in Humjibre can speak rough English.

A typical daily schedule in Humjibre ~

7 am – 8 am: Wakeup, Breakfast, Prepare for Day
8 am – 12 pm: Volunteer Work (this depends on what session you are doing) I was delivering malaria bed nets, holding education sessions about malaria at the local schools, and collecting health survey information
12 pm – 1 pm: Lunch
1 pm – 5 pm: Volunteer Work
5 pm – 6 pm: Dinner
6 pm – 8 pm: Prep for Next Day
8 pm – 10/11 pm: Relax

Everyday in Humjibre was exciting! We did meet challenges along the way, but these only strengthened and improved the experience. Throughout my time working with GHEI, I certainly improved my communication skills and gained more patience, flexibility, and confidence in myself. Describing the experience as life changing would be an understatement.

The work itself was outstanding. Providing education and hanging up bed nets throughout a village to prevent malaria, one of the major killers especially of children in Sub-Saharan Africa, was extremely rewarding. Some of the most memorable experiences, however, happened in the evenings during the relaxation period. I was able to meet people in the village and listen to their stories. These conversations impacted me profoundly. We also were able to spend some time in the local health clinic. As someone interested in a career in medicine, this was a great aspect of the program.

I am so grateful for my amazing experience in Humjibre! I completely recommend GHEI to anyone interested in volunteering abroad!