On January 18th, I arrived in Mwanza City after a series of flights from New York, with a loose idea of what I would be doing for the following (almost) two weeks. The next day, I met with Dr. Marko Hingi at the Zonal Health Resource Centre Building, to discuss the Tanzania Rural Health Movement, and the work I would be doing during my stay in Mwanza. The day after, I began teaching piki piki (motorcycle taxi) drivers about emergency care and first aid.

With the help of Dr. Marko Hingi (Director of TRHM) we were able to accomplish this to a greater degree than either of us thought possible. TRHM is an amazing grassroots NGO run by volunteers comprised of doctors, nurses and healthcare students. Through their willingness to learn and determination they have been able to foster real change in Mwanza despite significant obstacles.

With the help of Trek Medics International, Marko implemented a system that uses Beacon GPS technology to send messages to nearby drivers, to have them assist in case of an emergency. I provided the training so that the drivers would become capable of providing assistance. The training occurred over a Saturday and Sunday, and finished with the drivers receiving certificates and kits containing medical supplies.

I travelled to Mwanza with a goal of imparting knowledge however; I soon realized that it was me who would be doing the majority of learning. Marko and TRHM looked after me throughout my stay and were nothing but warm and welcoming throughout. If anyone is considering volunteering or travelling to Mwanza to work with Dr.Marko and TRHM, I would encourage you to do it! It will be an experience you will never forget and one that you can’t get anywhere else.

My experience working with Dr. Hingi and Tanzania Rural Health Movement was excellent. I was excited to contribute my knowledge and skills in a meaningful way to the Mwanza community, and I received a very warm and kind welcome from everyone I met during my time in Mwanza. I consider myself very privileged to have contributed my knowledge to the organization, and to have been part of a group that creates such a positive impact on the community.

I recently had a nine day stay at TRHM and I wanted to express how impressed I was with the level of care I received from everyone I encountered. The Trauma Center saved my life! I found it amazing and I am grateful that it services my community.

Tanzania is a country with diverse culture and religions. It won’t be wrong to say that I found a second home in Tanzania. Even having no knowledge in Swahili (official language of Tanzania), I never felt left out. Tanzanians are very friendly and welcoming people. I lived in Mwanza for 5 weeks and I always felt safe. Dr. Hingi had arranged a wonderful accommodation in private hostel which made my stay more comfortable.

Save Lives|Stop Traditional Uvulectomy Project is an important step in bringing attention to harmful traditional beliefs and practices that are perpetuated by lack of awareness. It was encouraging to hear individuals vow to be agents of change after being educated on the reality of this practice.

I was mainly working on the BEACON program; SMS-based emergency dispatch system where my study concentrated to identify the barriers faced by the first responders trained by TRHM. Other than this TRHM has Wound Care Project which provides free wound care to street children. TRHM has great scope for research and program analysis. Any student or volunteer would be lucky to work with TRHM and Dr. Hingi.

Save Lives|Stop Traditional Uvulectomy Project illustrates that just as traditions passed down through families and communities can prolong dangerous practices, community advocacy and familial bonds can promote radical change.