GWU Students Making a Difference in Nicaragua
From March 10-17, GWU’s Global Health Network participated in an alternative Spring Break trip to the Roberto Clemente Health Clinic, a non-profit based in Nicaragua with offices in Baltimore. The group was comprised of 21 students, along with a pediatric medical resident from Children’s Hospital. The Clinic serves as a valuable asset in the rural area of southwest Nicaragua, where continuous access to electricity and safe drinking water is still rare. The Clinic makes an impact beyond health care services; it facilitates sustainable change by doing public health outreach at schools and in the community. They also offer volunteer opportunities to students, as well as professionals.
The students visited 6 different schools, distributing 300+ deworming pills, and educated children through “charlas,” interactive health lessons. These “charlas” consisted of stories, songs, and much more on topics like nutrition, hand-washing, hygiene, and diabetes.
Furthermore, the children were encouraged to answer questions and received prizes, including toothbrushes, pencils, and teddy bears. The volunteer team also purified 16 water wells, teaching local students to encourage sustainability. Additionally, the team participated in trash pick-up and medicine distribution. Other students helped paint the storage room of the clinic. Another volunteer, a pediatric resident, saw more than 30 patients, helping the clinic’s resident physician, Dr. Flores. Volunteers also helped the clinic’s pharmacist, facilitating the organization of the storage room. Finally, volunteers assisted in coordinating a children’s fair, which included piñatas and prizes, leaving the children cheerful and the volunteers satisfied.
For more information, contact:
Julia Guth, Chair of the Board at 410-223-2630
[email protected]
or her assistant:
Lorena Cernadas at (410) 369-0512
[email protected]
Please visit our volunteer page.
Phone USA: 1-410-369-0512
Nicaragua: 8675-0100 (Spanish only)
If you would like to make a donation to our project please visit our website, here you can also register to any of our program and be part of our dear supporters.
Remember to spread the word about the Roberto Clemente Health Clinic on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@Nicaclinic)!
Thank you for visiting,
Julia Guth
Chair of the Board
Roberto Clemente – Santa Ana Health Clinic