This past summer I spent 3 months working as a field intern in the Isiolo District of Kenya for the nonprofit organization Global Health Network International (GHNI). After previously volunteering with GHNI in the summer of 2009 I was inspired to apply to the School of Public Health and through my master’s requirements had the special opportunity to once again volunteer. The impetus of this summer research was to help develop the “wellness” component of GHNI’s Transformational Community Development model through the collection of baseline health assessments in 4 partnering villages. As a field intern I had the opportunity to work and collaborate with not only GHNI staff, but the Ministry of Public Health and the Isiolo Central Hospital on various projects including Community Health Worker trainings and public health campaigns while in the midst of the famine currently affecting the Horn of Africa. This experience was extremely profound and has strengthened my deep desire to serve the poor and marginalized in the world.
Priscila Bercea
