This summer, MPH students Diya and Vivian took part in the Global Health in Africa (GHIA) practicum in Rwanda. From health education to community engagement, the experience stretched them personally, culturally, and professionally. Here’s what they had to say:

Q: What inspired you to choose the Global Health in Africa practicum?

• Diya: “I’ve always been interested in global health equity, and this opportunity offered a chance to not only learn about health systems in Africa but also to see how communities and practitioners innovate in a different setting.”
• Vivian: “I was inspired to choose the Global Health in Africa practicum because I had previously visited Rwanda with the study abroad during my undergrad and absolutely fell in love with the country. The culture and people are unlike anything I have ever experienced before, in the best way possible. After I visited, my interest in global health grew tremendously, and I knew I had to go back one day.”

Q: How did this experience challenge you personally and culturally?

• Diya: “It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and confront my own assumptions. Culturally, I had to learn to listen deeply and understand perspectives different from my own. Personally, it pushed me to adapt quickly to unfamiliar environments and learn to appreciate and embrace the new culture I was suddenly immersed in.”
• Vivian: “The experience challenged me both personally and culturally as I learned about the deep history of Rwanda and the significant progress they have made in the last 30 years. They have fostered a culture of forgiveness and compassion, rather than letting a horrible act of the government and outsiders destroy them.”

Q: Can you share a moment from the trip that had the biggest impact on you?

• Diya: “One of the most impactful moments was participating in data collection for the longitudinal survey Dr. Lanning is conducting in partnership with Africa New Life. During the survey days, I facilitated my practicum project, educational puppet shows and activities for the participants, as well as helped conduct the assessments. Talking with the local children and their families gave me a deeper insight into their daily lives. It was eye-opening to see how eager the children were to learn and engage, despite the challenges their families face. That experience reinforced why community-centered engagement is essential for lasting impact.”
• Vivian: “If I had to choose one experience, it would be the days we conducted health assessments and implemented educational activities in the various communities. Many of the children shared their stories with us as we collected the data, which were both great to hear and some not. Although many of the children were experiencing adverse situations, they were all so eager to learn and participate. When asking them to share the acts of kindness they were committing to doing in their daily lives, every one of them, in all three days of the assessments, wanted to stand up and share what they wrote down. I was moved by their dedication and eagerness to learn.”

Q: What specific public health challenges did you observe, and how did you engage with them?

• Diya: “I observed challenges related to access to care and limited health infrastructure. I engaged by participating in discussions with local providers when we visited the local hospital and public health agencies and learning about their strategies. I appreciated their ability to innovate and find solutions that play to their strength as very community-centered country.”
• Vivian: “We identified several public health challenges, particularly in the areas of health education, mental well-being, and rural health disparities. Many children had not been exposed to a lot of health information, particularly we focused on nutrition and bullying prevention. Through one of our educational puppet shows, we introduced the concept of bullying, explained its emotional impacts, and taught the children what to do if they experienced or witnessed it happening. Through the puppet show and a kindness activity, we helped equip them with strategies for kindness and empathy.”

Q: What skills or perspectives did you gain that you’ll carry into your career?

• Diya: “I gained a stronger appreciation for cultural humility, adaptability, and the importance of community engagement in shaping health solutions. Professionally, I developed skills in cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and working effectively in resource-limited settings.”
• Vivian: “I grew my skills in communication, planning, and data collection. Most importantly, I learned that it is essential to understand the history and culture of a community before entering it. Additionally, it is crucial to collaborate with community members to ensure that initiatives are culturally sensitive and that the community’s needs are being addressed, rather than imposing outsider perspectives.”

For both Diya and Vivian, the GHIA practicum was more than a trip abroad—it was a chance to grow as public health professionals while being inspired by the resilience and warmth of the Rwandan community.