Dates listed are the dates in which participates should arrive and depart Accra, Ghana if they are traveling with the group. On these arrival and departure dates, there will be GHEI staff to meet or drop off volunteers at the airport.

Serve and Learn II: June 26th – July 12th
Treatment and Prevention of Child Worms
Applicants from all backgrounds and majors are encouraged to apply. No medical experience or prior training is necessary. 

Time Commitment Volunteers will be expected to dedicate approximately three hours each week for the month preceding departure to research the topic and gather resources for an informal presentation of potential activities upon arrival in Humjibre. Ideas will be circulated and discussed prior to departure, but group planning sessions will be the focus of the first few days in Humjibre. There will also be conference calls prior to departure, which all volunteers are required to attend.

Background Common intestinal worms threaten the nutrition, growth and development of children. Children are likely to be infected when they stop breastfeeding, and to continually become re-infected throughout their lives. Chronic hookworm infection has been shown to impair physical and intellectual development, reduce school performance and attendance, and limit future productivity and income potential.

In Humjibre and surrounding areas, where sanitation is poor and the majority of small children do not wear shoes, worms are easily spread. Deworming campaigns in local primary schools have been very successful outreach projects implemented by GHEI staff and volunteers in recent years. By providing education and medication for children on a regular basis, this type of outreach helps to both treat and prevent worms and ultimately promotes healthier lives.

Project Description This is a great opportunity to take part in a public health intervention that has been proven to greatly improve the cognitive and physical health of children. Volunteers work closely with local staff and learn how crucial local ownership and involvement is in this type of intervention. They will work with GHEI staff to coordinate clinics consisting of hygiene education and deworming treatment for hundreds of children.

Continued: Session III: July 19th – August 4th
Download Sessions Document