Help get Paige to Ghana to volunteer as a Medical Assistant

Paige has been offered a volunteer position as a medical assistant in Ghana for 6 months leaving January 2019 with Lattitude Global Volunteering (www.lattitude.org.nz), a Youth Development Charity, whose mission is to "provide unique and educational opportunities for young people worldwide, and to make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of others".

In Paige's words...."My name is Paige Movold and I am in my last year of high school. For several years, my dream has been to enter the medical profession once I leave school. Medicine is something I have been really passionate about as I want to enhance people's ability to live a more fulfilled life, not matter what struggles they may be facing. I have been exposed to the healthcare system for most of my life as my younger brother was born with Myelomeningocele, a form of Spina Bifida that affects his ability to walk and lead a normal life, and leads to a variety of medical complications. As well, my mum has had multiple surgeries as a result of cancer. This exposure has greatly influenced my growing passion to help people who face challenges to make the best out of the life they have, and also find cures for diseases.

After learning about Lattitude and the opportunities they provide in supporting young people on diverse and challenging international placements in a community and culture different to their own, I knew I had to apply. Before going to university, I have decided to get some real-world experience outside of my comfort zone doing hands on work in a rural health centre in Ghana, West Africa. This will allow me to not only grow as a person but also to make a difference in the lives of others.

Typical activities I will be involved with include: assisting with the running of the health centre, looking after basic pharmacy and providing general administration for patient care, helping to maintain patient records, assisting with activities and monitoring for babies and under-fives, assisting with outreach programmes and involvement with health education campaigns and more!

I believe this experience will be a life changing experience for me as a young person who is excited for a future of helping others in need while at the same time making a positive impact to the community I will be working with.

Currently I am saving money earned through my after school part time job and hope to organise a couple of fundraisers this year. However I need to raise around $10,000 so would appreciate any donations no matter how small. Please support me if you can. Thanks!"