Volunteering in Africa

This summer, I have the amazing opportunity to experience Marafiki Africa’s pre-health program in Tanzania. It is a three-week volunteer program in which I will explore health, hygiene, and nutrition in the developing world. Part of Marafiki Africa’s mission is to help communities develop by teaching the importance of healthy living through hygiene, diet, and clean water. In this program, I will receive first-hand experience in clinics and communities, learning the diagnostics of diseases such as malaria and HIV and participating in village development projects. These projects include developing clinics, schools, water lines, latrines, and other necessary facilities.

I want to volunteer with Marafiki Africa because I am a pre-health student looking to expand my horizons. I love that the program focuses on exploring and teaching incredibly important topics such as nutrition and overall health. As someone who would like to work in public health in the future, I would also like to learn about the illnesses and health concerns in Africa so I can be more knowledgeable and more able to provide assistance to areas outside of the United States in my future career as a medical professional. While this can be achieved through many other programs in Africa, Marafiki Africa interests me most because of the cultural aspect of the program. One of my main goals of traveling internationally is to gain insight into different cultures. Because this program would allow me to join the villages in their traditions and celebrations, it aligns perfectly with my ambitions. Moreover, the program includes a two-day safari through the great African plains of the Serengeti, an incredible opportunity that I am overjoyed to take advantage of. I study Biological Sciences at my university and I am truly invested in biodiversity around the world. I can only do so much to maintain and conserve the current biodiversity, as my career will not be in conservation biology but instead in medicine. However, I can at least witness these animals myself and alert others of the desperate need to eliminate the habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change that could eventually lead these animals to extinction.

I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read this and learning about my future summer plans. The program cost is $2,500 and I am aiming to raise $4,000 to afford flights and any extra expenses. This is where I need your help--if you are willing and able to partner with me in my medical pursuits, I would greatly appreciate a monetary contribution of any amount. No gift is too small, so whether you give $5 or $500, I would appreciate any support. Thank you again for your support as I take the next steps in my pursuit of becoming a medical professional!

Learn more about Marafiki Africa at https://marafikiafrica.org/