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Jessica Hancock
Country of Service
Ghana
Dates Served
2005 - 2007
Volunteer Position
Health/Water/Sanitation Volunteer

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Description of main volunteer activities:

I lived in a small rural village of about 1200 people. I approached my job with the conviction that it was my responsibility to improve the health in the village on as many fronts as possible. Therefore, I taught health prevention education (with an emphasis on HIV prevention/testing) 3 days a week at a large mango farm nearby. One day a week I traveled to outlying farms to discuss HIV and Guinea Worm prevention to farmers within our district. I also taught weekly health prevention through "health clubs" at the three local elementary schools near my house. When a woman came to me one day and explained she couldn’t afford soap to wash her hands, I realized that the economic standing of women had a vital influence on the health of the whole village. Therefore, 15 local women, in partnership with World Vision International, started a women''''''''s microfinance group to start their own small businesses with the hopes of using the profits to better the lives of their children. The final project that my village and I did together was to write a grant to the district assembly to finance and help build a local outreach clinic. My hope is that the nurse chosen to serve in the clinic will carry on prevention education in even more creative and sustainable ways, and be a permanent health resource for the people of Dipale, Ghana.

How Peace Corps service influenced decision to go into nursing and future plans:

The nurses in Ghana were the most diligent and caring group of people I met during my two years of service. They were often the glue that held small villages and towns together. I had never thought of nursing until I recognized the extraordinary work that they do. They are a big inspiration for my decision to go into nursing.

Impact of RPCV Fellows experience:

The Hopkins Peace Corps Fellows program had a major influence in my decision to come to Hopkins. Not only does it provide a community of people who have similar experiences and dreams, but it shows JHSON commitment to serve the people with whom we share a community.

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Jessica Hancock