 | Field Practicum in Public Health and Environment
Summer Session II, 2009
 Academic Update
During the first week SFS faculty provided background information on Kenya’s governance and economic structure, culture, the use and prevalence of traditional herbal medicine and resource use interaction within the Amboseli ecosystem. The objective of the academic orientation week was to furnish students with information which would enable them to competently interpret their environment and also assist them during data collection and analysis phases of the program. After the introductory classes, students then settled down during the second week to generate the instruments which they would that would be used for data collection in the field. This process was very intense and at times involved talking to the relevant people such as health care providers, public health officials, community health workers, local administrators as well as other opinion leaders. In addition, there were visits to the local health center, neighboring homesteads, the local market and a not-for-profit health facility (Mbirikani AID Clinic), which caters to the health need of members of Mbirikani Group Ranch. By the time students went into the field, students had an excellent understanding of the issues they would be investigatingMost of the third week has been spent either preparing for or eventually going out to the field. The fieldwork was carried within the rangelands the expansive Mbirikani Group Ranch (1400km2). Eight pairs of students, accompanied by one local guide/translator visited pre-selected household and asked questions on childhood illness, water source and collection, water treatment and storage, hand hygiene and waste management. In the field, the were able to have a first hand experience of the drought which is ravaging the entire ecosystem. They often had to identify new respondents as the ones who had been initially identified may have moved out in such of pasture for their livestock or other drought related reasons. They are now in the process of analyzing this data using EpiInfo and CS Pro statistical computer packages. Overall, the students have learnt a lot and are now in a position to appreciate full extent public and environmental health issues as well as appreciating the complexities involved with carrying out such surveys.
-Salaton Tome, Lecturer in Environmental Policy and Socio-Economic Values
 Student Reflections
Coming to Africa was quite an experience for all of us. We had no idea what to expect or what life would be like here. Since then, we have enjoyed seeing so many wonderful sites. We have visited local markets, hospitals/clinics, and more recently visited Amboseli National Park. We had a GRAND time. It is not every day that you get to see a lion, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo, elephants, zebras, gazelles, and so much more! It was truly spectacular. Life here in Kenya is wonderful.
We have also participated in many things that are helping the local community. Our community service at Kimana Water project helped to build an overpass, clear trees for a waterway, and laid down cement for water to pass through. We have also visited a local orphanage and an AIDS clinic, where we were able to openly discuss about probable solutions to help those infected with AIDS. Last but not least is our interaction with the Maasai. From the first time we entered a boma (house), we have learned so much about the Maasai and their culture. They have such an intriguing culture. I am certain that collaboratively we will find simple, easy solutions to help their overall health and provide them with education to help future generations.
-Sarah Mills. Meredith College  Kenya is great. The view of Mt. Kilimanjaro when I wake up every morning is breath taking. The past couple days have been interesting. We had a market day where the entire time I swarmed by “the mamas,” local Maasai women trying to sell me trinkets. They stalk you out and the only Swahili I know is "hapana asante" (no thanks)! The trinkets they sell are beautiful but I have more bracelets and necklaces than I can handle or give away.
The next day we worked with the Kimana Water Project and helped the community build a canal. It was lots of hard work that paid off with an amazing experience. We got to interact with the locals on a personal level. I know they appreciated the groups help, but I do not think they knew how much we appreciated the experience. The people here are so welcoming and thankful for what they have. I often feel selfish and wish that I could feel satisfied with the simple things in life. Although, I am learning and I want to say thanks mom for raising me in such a great learning environment and bestowing upon me from childhood the tools to be adventuresome. I cannot wait to learn more and I look forward sharing with you all that I have experienced.
-Shiyrah Mielke, Northern Arizona University
Previous Page Back to Kenya News Archives 2009 Next Page | |