"
Global health seems much more real and personal. My experience has put a face to many issues of global health. I have a much better understanding of what does and doesn't work in global health and why it does or doesn't work. I realize now how important it is for clinics and public health programs to work with the community rather than just come in right away and do what they personally think is best." -
Shane O'Brien, Project Bumwalukani, Summer 2010
"
Overall, I had a great time working at FIMRC. I liked being able to work autonomously on the competitor analysis, as well as part of a team on the health education manual. I felt like I contributed concretely to FIMRC, both on the business side...and the healthcare volunteer side...so that while I was sitting in Philadelphia headquarters, I still felt a part of the activity in Africa and South America." -
Luisa Armstrong, HQ, Summer 2010
"
Though potable water and community education become your mantra, it is clear that there may seldom be simple solutions; each colorfully dynamic community must develop the delicate trust and respect between population and NGO that is necessary before approaching any obstacle." -
Steven Purcell, Project Las Delicias, Summer 2010
Project Kodaikanal, India
Challenge:
In Kodaikanal, most families come from the lower strata of the income bracket, forcing both parents to work underpaid manual labor jobs. As a result, children are raised by the older generations and their overall nutrition is typically neglected. FIMRC programs address the children's physical and psychological wellbeing. FIMRC Ambassadors/Fellows will be challenged to contribute to the crèche's efforts with their own holistic approach to community development projects.
Mentor/Staff Support:
Ambassadors/Fellows will partner with the Field Operations Manager, a crèche coordinator, and crèche nurses in project development and implementation.
Commitment:
Ambassadors/Fellows are expected to be present during crèche hours, Monday through Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
Housing and Transportation:
Project Kodaikanal provides comfortable living quarters at the Volunteer Guest House in Observatory, Kodaikanal, just 5 minutes from one crèche. The Volunteer Guest House is located three kilometers from downtown, providing convenient access to grocery stores. The secure living quarters are dormitory style and include internet, hot water, use of the kitchen, and cleaning services.
Cost:
Details are available upon request during the recruitment process.
Visa Requirements:
FIMRC India Ambassadors/Fellows work on 190 day tourist visas that can be purchased for $25.00 at the Indian Embassy. It usually takes 10 days to process the application. There are different options to renew a visa for Ambassadors/Fellows on site beyond 190 days. The Field Operations Manager will facilitate this process in country.
Ongoing Projects:
- Health education sessions for the women of the community with special focus on prevention.
- Community development programs at communities.
- Providing support for the nutrition program at the crèches.
- Development on new programming based on new monitoring and evaluation techniques of nutrition program within crèches.
- Health tracking system to track the children's health status at the crèche.
- Development of a comprehensive health outreach initiative based on results from health tracking survey executed in 2010.
