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Emily Groves
Country of Service
Togo, West Africa
Dates Served
2006 - 2008
Volunteer Position
Community Health and AIDS Prevention

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Description of main volunteer activities:

I was assigned to work in a medium sized border town in northern Togo. My community, located at the intersection of three countries, had a large prostitution problem due to the transient nature of the truckers and merchants who would frequently pass through. I worked with a local group of sex workers to offer education, HIV testing and trainings on alternative sources of income generation. Additionally, I worked with my local hospital to promote timely vaccinations among the women and children in the area. I taught English to a class of 7th graders and created a peer education group and health club at the local high school.

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

A midwife at my local hospital served as the catalyst for my decision to become a nurse. She was so kind, caring and tireless in her efforts to help the people in our community. She spoke seven languages and could rival any doctor with her knowledge of tropical maladies. This midwife made me realize the very real impact that a nurse can make in a rural community, and I consequently made the decision to come the JHUSON to study public health nursing.

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Emily Groves