Formerly Minnesota International Health Volunteers

Improving the health of women, children and their communities around the world.

Interview with Brenda Senyana                                                                   Brenda with WellShare staff and volunteers
 

1.    When, Where, and for how long did you volunteer/intern with WellShare?
a.    I volunteered at the WellShare Field Office Site in Ssembabule from early June to late August during the summer of 2009

2.    What project(s) did you work on?
a.    I worked on both the reproductive and HIV projects

3.    What were the 2-3 main tasks/responsibilities you worked on?
a.    I assisted in the implementation of the mid-term evaluation KPC survey for  UCSP by acting as a interview supervisor
b.    I participated in the dissemination of family planning methods and HIV education and prevention methods through community film shows and information/demonstration sessions
c.    I assisted staff in transcribing focus groups discussions and implementation meetings
d.    I worked with staff to increase office performance capacity through various computer program trainings and skills

4.    How did your experience personally impact you?
a.    Having been born in Uganda but growing up in the United States, I always had a passion to return to my place of birth and affect change in a way that lives would be saved.  It was not always clear as to whether or not I would ever get a chance to achieve this goal, but when I became acquainted with MIHV (now WellShare) and what it was doing in rural Uganda, I just knew my dreams of returning to the “Pearl of Africa” would become a reality.  All of the sudden I was there. I was in Uganda working with an amazing organization in Ssembabule district experiencing hand-in-hand mentorship and exposure to conducting public health work in resource limited rural settings. I was changed . . . inspired . . . yearning to do more . . . to return to Uganda . . . and hopefully that day will come. Trust me I’m crossing my fingers.

5.    Do you have a favorite memory from your time abroad?
a.    While I have so many memories and experiences to look back on, I have to say my favorite memory was riding to the different interview locations with my interviewing team during the Mid-term Evaluation KPC survey. I was just so inspired by the interviewers’ willingness to participate in the study. Yes, they were receiving some type of incentive, but they made it clear that their passion had nothing to do with that.  They wanted to affect change.  This feeling just seemed to resonate throughout the community.  From the MIHV (now WellShare) staff, to the interviewers to the interviewees, all individuals seemed to have a common appreciation for their community.  They understood that their actions were for the betterment of not just themselves but their community members as well as their nation. 

6.    Where are you working now or what type of activities are you currently involved in?
a.    Currently, I am finishing up my Masters in Public Health degree in Health Promotion/Disease Prevention at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and acting as co-president of the Black and Latino Student Caucus.  I am also working as a research assistant for Professor Naa Oyo A. Kwate whose research focuses on the psychological and socio-cultural determinants of African American health behaviors and outcomes.  In addition to that, I am working as a tutor at Champion Learning Center; an organization that offers high quality, professional, one-on-one tutoring.
 
7.    Any other remarks you would like to share about WellShare and the work it does?
a.    No, not really; except to stress how grateful I was and still am for this wonderful opportunity MIHV (now WellShare) bestowed upon me.