Published June 12, 2008, last updated on March 8, 2013 under Education News
Obstacles such as uncooperative subjects, power outages, winter in South Africa, and restrictive protocols have not dampened the enthusiasm of students in DGHI projects this summer. Despite such adversity, they have started to enjoy their stay in foreign countries while engaging in productive service and research activities.
In Moshi, Tanzania, the DGHI team investigates the relationship between religious/cultural beliefs and understanding/treatment of mental illnesses. They have been able to cope with “hiccups” along their journey – the power outages and lack of internet connection – and complete interviews with patients, family members, religious leaders, and medical clinicians. In addition to finding a balance between more individuals and more data (time constraints – more subjects vs. more time spent on each) and increasing their interview pace in the coming week, the Moshi team plans to make a documentary to ensure a lasting impact and relationship with communities on the ground.
Arriving in Lome, Togo, Petrina Craine has become so immersed in the local culture and French that she had trouble writing in English. For the coming days, Petrina looks to revise her pre-research protocol and become better acclimated to the city.
And a little further to the northwest in India, John Stokes looks forward to having interviews with local residents. While working with the transgender, “hijra”, populations and encountering common citizens, John encountered signs of defeatist mentality, common to many parts of the world, that hinders development. From discussions and encounters with the hijra population, John has noted that hijras are not constrained by traditional conservative values – and the “certain freedom” that they experience.
Meanwhile, Mary Bohan and Tammy Chin have days filled with cultural experiences in Singapore. Initial impressions of the land include amazement derived from the diversity of sights, foods, and individuals and a sense of acceptance from a welcoming country. Recently, they noted the strong public-relations effort against the Dengue epidemic, primarily consisting of graphic images (such as that of a blood-stained poster) and slogans designed to promote awareness and adherence to government guidelines.
Brittany Hesbrook and Sarah Malott, meanwhile, are stationed in South Africa, finding the connections between nutrition and chronic diseases of hypertension and diabetes (to name a few). Though the slow pace of daily life in South Africa has hampered progress, Brittany and Sarah have been able to adapt their research procedure. Having met with the Community Health Workers, they will administer a questionnaire before interviewing Khayelitsha Township citizens. The product, they hope, is to develop an effective set of dietary guidelines which most individuals will follow.
As DGHI fieldwork projects progress, correspondence from the field continues to flow into the institute. View our Past Projects page for more insight.
