LEARNING TO LOVE LIFE!

Zambia - Medical Work - Medical Outreach and HIV Education

Jul 28, 2011

From Chartered Engineer to one of the community Christine shares her story...

What made you decide to choose the Livingstone medical Project?

Christine is a chartered civil engineer who works on major infrastructure projects in the UK. After 2 years of taking up any free time outside of work she recently completed an MBA. African Impact provided an opportunity for Christine “to help in a tangible way, and was absolutely able to do that. We wanted to be part of a team and the Livingstone projects made that easy."

Highlights:
“To be honest I wasn’t sure about going for the medical programme. I thought I might be better suited to teaching. This was in part due to my reservations about not having any medical qualifications – I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t be putting others at risk or giving them a sub-standard service. My mind was put at ease by the training and mentoring we received when we arrived by the medical co-ordinator and during the whole project from other qualified volunteers.”

“My personal highlights were all based around the Zambian people, they were incredibly friendly and we never once felt unwelcome or unsafe. In particular I loved getting to know the residents of the old people’s home. HIV education was also amazing; we were able to share basic facts and strategies with people to help prevent the widely prevalent illness from spreading where they were previously misguided and confused by many myths.”

What do you feel you have received from your time on the Project?

“I know how lucky I am! I want to be part of a team or find a way at home where I can help support others. I’d love to say I’ll be back in Livingstone soon, maybe I realise that there is much I can still do from the UK.” I don’t think you can underestimate the impact of seeing poverty and the awful consequences of HIV first hand. Having seen starving Africans on the news or documentaries it is easy to feel moved but detached. I will never forget some of the experiences I had. The over-arching sentiments though, is that even with next to no possessions the Zambian people love life and always seem to be smiling! The projects made me realise that even with a little time it is possible to make a difference and I want to do more to help others.
“I want to do more to promote the benefits of volunteering. I also intend to find an opportunity to volunteer closer to home. I will endeavour to raise money for The Happy Africa Foundation as it is so worthy and well organised. I also will ensure that we provide the financial support needed for the children we sponsor through school with the foundation.” – Christine Allen

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