On December 5th, International Volunteers Day was celebrated, a day that recognizes the power of individuals coming together to positively impact their communities and beyond. At Public Health U, we believe in the power of education and community engagement to transform lives. With great pride and gratitude, we acknowledge the remarkable efforts of our dedicated volunteers who have selflessly served as module leaders, tutors, and dissertation supervisors for our students. Their unwavering commitment and passion have profoundly impacted the education and future of aspiring public health professionals.
Our volunteers have been the backbone of Public Health U, generously sharing their time, knowledge, and expertise to empower our students. They bring a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives, enriching the academic discourse and fostering a global understanding of public health. Their dedication extends beyond geographical boundaries, creating a collaborative and interconnected community at Public Health U.
These incredible individuals have enriched the lives of our students beyond academia. They have cultivated a sense of community through mentorship, fostering personal growth and confidence. Their guidance through the various modules has helped students navigate challenges and seize opportunities, paving the way for successful careers in public health. The ripple effect of their efforts reaches communities and populations worldwide as our graduates go on to address pressing public health issues and create meaningful change.
To truly understand our volunteer community, we have captured the sentiments and feelings of some of our volunteers regarding their experiences with Public Health U through personal reflections. Discovering what volunteering means to them enriches our understanding and serves as a poignant reminder of the human connection that lies at the core of our collaborative efforts.
Our Module Leader for Public Health Nutrition, Susan Onyango, serves as a senior Nutrition Officer and has experience tutoring Nephrology Nutrition. Not only is she a National Trainer in Nutrition and HIV/AIDS, having trained health workers across Kenya, but she is also presently engaged in data analysis for her Ph.D. Dissertation on Non-Communicable Diseases among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Ms. Onyango expressed that her “communication skills have been greatly enhanced, enabling effective interaction with students, tutors, and the academic team.”
Ruth Thango, the tutor for Maternal Mortality, holds an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Pharmacy and management. Her extensive background includes significant expertise in Public Health Pharmacy Management and a wealth of experience in tutoring and mentoring pharmacy students and interns. Ms. Thango, who now serves as a Good Clinical Practice inspector and medicine control officer, noted, “It felt so good to encourage others to do better. I remember the proud moment during the graduation of the students who completed their Master’s Degrees. I was delighted and excited when I witnessed their remarkable achievements.”
Module Leader for Maternal Mortality, Dr. Hamdia Mirkhan Ahmed, possesses a BSc in nursing while holding both an MSc and a PhD in Maternity Nursing. Serving concurrently as the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Director of The Center for Research and Education for Women’s Health at Hawler Medical University, she has taught various courses across all levels, including maternity nursing, research methods, ethics, evidence-based practice, nursing philosophy, and sexology. She emphasized the significance of engaging with a global audience through her volunteer work with Public Health U. She expressed that “it is very interesting to have interaction with international people and help and learn from them. “
Addressing the transformative impact of his volunteer work in public health, Mbogo Alexander noted that “it has improved knowledge and skills to many students who otherwise would not afford their masters due to time constraints requiring to be full-time students in class or financial challenges. It has also increased their employability.” Mr Alexander is a Public Health Nutrition tutor who holds an MSc. in Nutrition and a BSc. in Foods, Nutrition, and Dietetics and presently serves as a Senior Nutrition Officer.
Another tutor for Public Health Nutrition, Francis Aila, has over 18 years of experience working with the government as a nutrition officer. Some of his key roles in the health sector include programming, resource mobilization, and monitoring and evaluation. Francis is a PhD candidate at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology in Kenya. His work focuses on food fortification and understanding the bioavailability of nutrients used in food fortification. Through his volunteer work at PHU, he expressed a profound sense of fulfillment derived from the heartfelt appreciation he received from students for the guidance provided throughout the module. In addition, he shared that “the positive feedback from the students and the organizers at PHU indicates that my participation is making a difference.”
Undoubtedly, the commitment and passion exhibited by our dedicated volunteers play a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of our educational initiatives. Their unwavering dedication goes beyond mere involvement; it becomes a driving force that propels our mission forward. In addition, the experience of volunteering has proven to be a catalyst for improved communication abilities, empowering our volunteers to convey information, provide guidance, and foster meaningful connections.
We express our most profound appreciation to our volunteers and all those committed to enriching public health education. Your dedication and passion have a lasting impact on the lives of our students, shaping the future of public health. Whether you have experience as an educator, researcher, or practitioner, your unique perspectives and insights will be invaluable to our students’ growth and development. We currently offer a Master’s in Public Health and a PhD in Global Health, and as of January 2024, we will be launching a Master’s in Health Profession Education. As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence, we seek to expand our volunteer community within these programs. Let us continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of public health leaders. Visit our website to learn more about how you could get involved in our mission.
Explore the roles and responsibilities of a tutor here.
Register now on our website here.
Join us in shaping the future of public health professionals!
Reisha Narine
Author
