Christine Jele |
| Country of Service |
| Morocco |
| Dates Served |
| 2005 - 2007 |
| Volunteer Position |
| Maternal and Child Health Educator |
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| Description of main volunteer activities: |
| I did a vast majority of my project in conjunction with a local association and a local clinic. In addition to presenting health lessons, including oral hygiene, family planning, personal hygiene and TB, pre/post natal care, HIV/AIDS in various settings, I developed and implemented Medical Waste Incinerator programs for four rural hospitals. I assisted in workshops aimed at educating local associations on sustainable development and AIDS/HIV education in rural communities and I trained 6 local leaders in project design and implementation who then wrote Peace Corps Partnership grant for the building of a women’s center. Additionally, I helped organize a Traditional Birth Attendant training for seven rural midwives funded by USAID. |
| How Peace Corps service influenced decision to go into nursing and future plans: |
| I was always certain that health care was my calling, however, it was not until serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer that I realized that nursing was the direction I wanted to pursue. Moroccan health care is one of the most basic forms and the community’s understanding of ailments, causes and cures is almost non-existent. While I tried to offer basic health education, I struggled as I watched medical professionals treat symptoms instead of discovering the root of medical problems. I looked on as vital information was withheld because the medical professionals felt that their patients were too undereducated and poor to do anything proactive for their health. Patients consistently returned to our clinic for the same ailments, never truly getting better. Realizing my lack of clinical training and the importance of treating more than symptoms, I began again to see myself in the future role of a nurse. |
| Impact of RPCV Fellows experience: |
| We will see!!! |
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