Life in Text

Find out more about my life's experiences in my blog below.

JUNE 2024

A Trip to Remember: My Journey to Geneva

This month, I joined nine students from the University of Oslo in concluding an internship with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (PMNCH) at the World Health Organization (WHO). Sponsored by the University's Center for Sustainable Healthcare Education (SHE), our group embarked on a journey that not only enriched our academic and professional lives but also culminated in an unforgettable trip to Geneva.

Our trip began on June 9th, when we traveled to Geneva. Upon arrival, we gathered at Auberge de Savièse where we had the opportunity to meet each other officially while enjoying traditional Swiss fondue. After dinner, the students broke off into groups to put final touches on our presentations, help one another choose presentation outfits, and rest.

On June 10th, we dressed in our best attire, and headed to the WHO headquarters by bus for a full-day workshop. This workshop was a unique chance to learn about the broader aims and goals of PMNCH and to present the findings we had gathered over the past seven months. We interacted with key figures, including our focal points who had guided us through the internship, leadership, and influential experts in the field. Amongst those were Hester Mkwinda Nyasulu, the country director of Malawi from AMREF and Griselda Serra from One Big Robot, who discussed the digital design aspects of the compendium. These interactions not only validated our hard work but also provided insights into the real-world impact of our efforts.

The workshop was a resounding success, solidifying our understanding of our contributions to the digital compendium of commitments from ten countries to women's, children's, and adolescent health. Before dinner, a few of us took a leisurely walk through Parc de la Perle du Lac, marveling at the beauty of Lake Léman. After expecting rain and clouds, we were blessed with surprisingly sunny weather to better enjoy the view and outdoor art installations.

In the evening, we dined at Little India, enjoying a feast of lamb, seafood, chicken, rice, paneer, and various curries. This dinner was not just about food but also about appreciation. We presented gifts to our program coordinators, Ida and Hilda, thanking them for their dedication and support. As the first cohort in this internship program, we recognized the effort it took to ensure a positive and productive experience. As the only student taking a train back, I was gifted plenty of food to take home!

For our last night, we walked by the lake and visited Place du Bourg de Four for a drink and conversation. We found a piano located on the water so I took a moment to play.

On June 11th, our final day in Geneva, we visited the International Red Cross Museum. For three hours, we were immersed in powerful exhibitions that showcased the Red Cross's efforts in maintaining familial connections during wars and genocides and their role in monitoring wartime legalities. The exhibitions, featuring art and photography, provided a poignant reminder of the Red Cross's global impact and the resilience of humanity.

After this emotional and educational experience, we parted ways to prepare for our returns home. Before my train, I had the opportunity to go back to WHO for a tour with my friend Kawahya Tizhe. He introduced me to Dr. Tedros Gebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO and Dr. Stella Chungong, the Health Security Preparedness Lead at WHO. It was amazing to see the work these individuals are responsible for doing.

This internship journey was a significant chapter in our lives. It provided us with invaluable insights into global health, practical experience in a prestigious organization, and the joy of forming meaningful relationships. The trip to Geneva was the culmination of months of hard work, making our efforts tangible and profoundly real.

Until next time, til neste gang, and à la prochaine,

Sochi