From Volunteer to Program Coordinator

I signed up for a two-week healthcare volunteering program in Nairobi almost on a whim. A colleague had done something similar and couldn't stop talking about it. I had some PTO to use and thought — why not?

Those two weeks changed everything. I was placed at a community health clinic in an underserved neighborhood. As a registered nurse, I could contribute immediately — assisting with patient intake, wound care, health screenings, and maternal health education sessions.

What struck me most was the gap between need and resources. The clinic served over 200 patients daily with a staff of just four. The nurses and doctors working there were exceptional — skilled, dedicated, and endlessly compassionate despite impossible conditions.

On my last day, the clinic director asked if I'd ever consider returning in a longer-term capacity. She mentioned they were looking for someone to coordinate their volunteer healthcare program. I laughed it off at the time, but the idea took root.

Three months after returning home, I quit my hospital job, sold my apartment, and moved to Nairobi. It was the scariest and best decision I've ever made. I spent the first year learning — about the local healthcare system, community dynamics, and the delicate balance of international aid.

Today, I coordinate a program that brings healthcare professionals from around the world for meaningful placements. We focus on knowledge transfer and capacity building rather than creating dependency. Each volunteer trains local staff in specialized skills, ensuring the impact lasts long after they leave.

My life looks nothing like I imagined it would. I live in a small apartment in Nairobi, earn far less than I did as a hospital nurse, and work harder than ever. But I wake up every morning knowing exactly why I'm here, and that's a privilege I wouldn't trade for anything.