"I have loved the Global Adventurer’s Program and the opportunity I had to see Kenya for what it is! It was truly a wonderful experience that I will cherish forever."
“The GAP program was such an eye-opening incredible experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life! It has given me more perspective of the world that we live in and particularly how the healthcare system is run in Kenya! I learnt so much at the Yala sub-county hospital and it truly reinforced how much I love being a nurse and helping people. My favourite experiences were seeing my first births, being in surgeries, donating blood, vaccinating newborns, and servicing the local communities of Kenya at major health camps! I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in volunteering abroad!” Lauryn
We share the experience of Lauryn one of our volunteers that embarked on World Youth International’s Global Adventurer’s Program to Kenya in July 2023. Embarking on the Global Adventurer’s Program (GAP) to Kenya in July 2023 was a life-changing experience that allowed Lauryn to blend her passion for nursing with a strong desire to make a positive impact on global healthcare.
Highlights and Challenges
Lauryn’s three week journey to Kenya was filled with unforgettable moments and some unique challenges. One of the key highlights of her trip was the opportunity to work at the Yala sub-county hospital. Witnessing the birth of new life, participating in surgeries, and even donating blood were experiences that reaffirmed her love for nursing and appreciation for the profound difference healthcare professionals can make.
Additionally, Lauryn had the privilege of vaccinating newborns and participating in major health camps, where we provided essential services to local communities. These experiences highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare in underserved areas and deepened her commitment to helping those in need.
Impact on Personal and Professional Growth
Lauryn mentioned that involvement in the GAP Program had a profound and lasting impact on her life. On a personal level, it broadened her perspective of the world and instilled a greater appreciation for the healthcare infrastructure we often take for granted. Witnessing the resilience of patients and healthcare workers in Kenya inspired her to become a more compassionate and resourceful nurse.
Professionally, the experience enhanced her clinical skills and cultural competence. She was able to gain a deeper understanding of global healthcare disparities and how to work effectively in diverse settings.
Friendships and Connections
The most rewarding aspects of the program for Lauryn were the friendships that were formed with fellow volunteers and local healthcare professionals. Even though individuals came from different corners of the world, everyone’s shared commitment to improving healthcare brought them together. To this day, Lauryn maintains strong connections with the people she met during the program.
Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Volunteers
Lauryn would highly recommend the Nurses in Action/GAP Program to nurses, midwives, and healthcare professionals wanting to volunteer abroad and help those in need.
Lauryn recommends cherishing every moment of your journey. The Nurses in Action/GAP Program is not just about the work you do; it's about the people you meet, the lives you touch, and the personal growth you experience.
Lauryn’s experience with the Nurses in Action/GAP Program in Kenya was an eye-opening adventure that left an indelible mark on her life. It allowed her to grow both personally and professionally, forge lasting connections, and deepen her passion for nursing. She encourages every healthcare professional with a sense of adventure and a desire to make a difference to consider embarking on a similar journey. The world is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the well-being of others, and programs like this one are a fantastic way to do just that.
If you would like to join a Nurses In Action program, visit: www.worldyouth.org.au/nia
