In early 2024, Courtney Ball, a Graduate Registered Nurse, joined our Nurses in Action program in Kenya. Her time in Odede was marked by meaningful connections with the community and unforgettable moments that have left a lasting impact on her both professionally and personally.
Courtney found the community visits with local volunteers to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the program. These visits allowed her to see firsthand how people in the community lived and worked, and provided a unique opportunity to treat those who couldn’t make it to a healthcare facility. The gratitude and warmth she received from the community made these visits an incredibly fulfilling experience. “They were some of the most grateful and thankful people I have ever met. We got welcomed into their homes and their community. A very rewarding part of the program.”
A highlight of Courtney’s time in Kenya was visiting a local, special needs school. “A lot of these children couldn’t even count to 10, some couldn't speak, some weren’t even toilet trained, but as soon as we put on some music their faces lit up and they had a sing and dance with us.“ The joy and happiness of the children, not only left an impression on her but she recalled feeling that the volunteers also had an impact on the children’s day too. This experience underscored the positive impact that the Nurses in Action program had on the community, especially the younger generation.
Courtney is passionate about the need to continue providing healthcare to these communities. Many people in these areas lack the financial or physical means to access larger healthcare facilities. By bringing healthcare directly to them, Nurses In Action helps to bridge this gap, making a significant difference in their lives. “The services we provide in these communities can be life changing. We make healthcare accessible and affordable for the community members and when you get to experience this first hand you see how truly grateful they are for us being there. Getting to experience Kenya’s healthcare system was definitely eye opening and to be completely honest quite terrifying. When we travel to these communities we give them a different healthcare experience to what they are used to. I have no doubt that we make a big impact on these people’s lives and that is why it is important we keep providing them with healthcare."
“This is a once in a lifetime experience and opportunity!! I cannot recommend enough. It is challenging and eye opening, but also so rewarding and fulfilling.” Nurses In Action offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining a deeper appreciation for the healthcare system in Australia. For Courtney, the memories and connections she made in Kenya will last a lifetime, making the Nurses in Action program an experience she will never forget.
Want to experience a journey like Courtney’s? Apply for a Nurses In Action Program today! Learn more: Nurses in Action | World Youth International
