I was almost in shock when Monterey called to ask me if I wanted to accompany her to El Salvador. The trip was taking place in less than two weeks! Either way, I was more than excited to say “Yes!” and go. I was getting ready for graduation, and with my concentration being Global Health, I was certainly interested to go overseas.

NEW TRAINEES DESIRE TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY

Because everything happened so quickly. I was not quite sure what to expect. However, the trip surpassed any expectations I could have had. The people I encountered were so loving and giving. They constantly expressed their gratitude for us coming to teach them how to care for themselves and their community. These people were hungry to serve and make a difference in their community! One evening, I had a woman thank me with tears in her eyes, as she expressed how important this was to her and to the others participating in the training. There were several moments shared like this, and this was when I truly felt and realized the important work that International HELP is doing around the world.

One evening, I had a woman thank me with tears in her eyes, as she expressed how important this was to her and to the others participating in training. There were several moments shared like this, and this was when I truly felt and realized the important work that International HELP is doing around the world.

FIVE DAY HANDS ON TRAINING

This training took place at the church (COFAVAD) over the course of five days. Training began with a pre-test to evaluate their baseline level of knowledge. From Tuesday until Friday, a wide variety of topics were covered:

This group soaked up everything that we were teaching them. They were engaged in the hands-on and group activities. They asked questions. They did their homework. When Saturday came, we briefly covered another topic, reviewed old material, and allowed them some time to practice taking blood pressure, pulse and respiration. Then, it was test time! To participate in the graduation ceremony Saturday evening, they needed to pass the hands-on test and the written post-test with an 80% or higher.

22 NEW COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS MAKE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

We were excited to have 22 Community Health Workers (CHW’s) participate in graduation! At graduation, everyone received a certificate and a bag with their notes and health logs in a folder, a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, a thermometer, and basic first aid materials. They were so thrilled to participate in graduation. Some of the younger boys were shaking and jumped with excitement when they had passed their test! But they were excited, not simply because they were receiving recognition, but they were excited to be part of something so amazing and were ready to begin impacting their church and community.

Before we had left El Salvador, the CHWs were already planning their future meetings and brainstorming ways in which they could help their church and reach the greater community. This was truly an excellent group to work with, and I cannot wait to see how they will impact their world.

– Victoria Ramos, MPH Intern