Simon brings home lessons in healthcare, African style
Regan Kelly
It’s not every day someone gets the chance to travel to Africa for such a rewarding trip, but when someone travels to Tanzania with John McCauley, it is memorable, to say the least.
One of this year’s 35 volunteers was Westmeath man Simon Greville, who, on his second time travelling with John, knew what to expect.
Simon spoke about how this year’s trip compares with last year, saying: “It was fairly similar to last year, the same emotions were brought back to me, which kind of opened my eyes even more.” Simon is studying to become a nurse and the trips provided him with lessons in that area.
“Every day was different, we worked hard at John’s senior home over there, helping them as much as we could and making sure that they got the care they needed.
“It was so valuable, I’m studying nursing, and one of the women in the village had to go to the hospital, so we travelled with her.
It was great to learn how the healthcare system works over there and have a look at it.”
These trips can be a one in a lifetime experience, and to make the journey twice is an achievement, Simon concluded: “Id love to go again, of course I’ll have to see how college goes, but one thing I can say is that I’m glad to be back on Irish roads again – as bad as they are.”
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