Kenya: Field Study in Public and Environmental Health

  Kenya

Rural

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 9 - July 8, 2008

Description: Significant land-use change in Kenya has forced traditionally nomadic peoples, such as the Maasai, onto smaller plots of land resulting in many social, political, economic, and public health challenges. This major shift from nomadicism to pastoralism has brought about new health problems for the Maasai, including an escalation in sanitation-related and water-borne diseases, infant and childhood disease, and HIV/Aids. Access to quality health care, both physically and culturally, poses a critical issue for this predominantly rural population. The fact that there is little baseline data on Maasai health status in southern Kenya adds another dimension to this public health challenge.

This course will provide students with experience in assessing and analyzing public health and environmental concerns in identified Maasai communities in partnership with NIDRA (Nomadic Integrated Development Research Agency), a local community-based health organization.

Highlights: Students will make field expeditions to Maasai villages & group ranches, local health clinics & dispensaries, HIV/Aids clinics, and Amboseli National Park. They will learn about the historical, socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, political, and health aspects of life in Kenya as well as assess and analyze health issues and report findings and recommendations to key stakeholders and communities of interest.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 4-6

Scholarships are Available. - Need-based SFS travel grants and scholarships.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

The School for Field Studies's Mission Statement: The School for Field Studies (SFS), an accredited, international non-profit academic institution, provides environmental education and conducts research through its field-based programs. SFS is committed to providing: *Hands-on, field-based interdisciplinary education *Environmental research in partnership with natural resource dependent communities. Our goals are to: *Provide students with a unique and challenging educational and life experience that assists them in successfully advancing their careers as skilled professionals and globally aware citizens; *Work with local community stakeholders to develop models for the sustainable management of their natural resources.

Year Founded: 1980