“Be part of where things really happen. Go for it!“

Grady, 30, works as a surgical nurse in a hospital in Essen. She did an internship at a hospital in Nyangao, Tanzania, with Mr and Mrs Krawzak from the SES and Lara, who’s also a young professional. In our interview, Grady talks about her experiences in Nyangao.

Das Interview

Where was your internship and what were your main tasks?

I did an internship at St. Walburg’s Hospital in Nyangao. It’s a Catholic mission hospital so each day starts with prayers at 7.30.

I worked with other nurses, preparing operations and providing preoperative and intraoperative care for patients. I was able to observe and ask questions a lot during my work.

As a surgical nurse, I was also allowed to work with instruments and assist at the operating table. I was often a “floater” too.

Some days I was able to spend my leisure time after work in the paediatric surgery department, playing with the children.

Children playing a memory card game.
Playing with the children in the paediatric ward after work.

What did you learn during your internship - be it from your colleagues, line managers or other people? And what knowledge were you able to pass on?

I learned that you can achieve a lot even if you haven’t got much. For instance, you can perform an operation well even if you’ve got very limited equipment. Everyone can always make a contribution! And I learned two or three new surgery tricks of course.

“Everyone can always make a contribution!“

Why did you choose Team works! and the AGYO?

I developed an interest in medical work in the Global South back when I was a teenager. And I felt a need inside me to be part of a development organisation myself one day. The paediatric surgeon where I work told me about the AGYO and then I started to look into Team works! My decision to do an internship through the AGYO was partly due to my own African roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What surprised you most?

I found the local people’s joy and politeness and their positive outlook on life both touching and inspiring. I quickly felt at home and confident about using the new words I’d picked up.

What were the advantages of being in a tandem team with the SES experts?

The fact that Mr and Mrs Krawzak had been to Tanzania more than ten times as well as to other African countries was a blessing for Lara and me because they already had a lot of experience. They were always willing to listen and they looked after us as if we were their own daughters! I’ll never forget the evenings we spent together and the conversations we had about social and cultural topics.

Front view of Grady and Lara, who are standing in front of a white ambulance.
Grady and Lara in front of one of the hospital’s ambulances.

What would be your advice for other young people interested in an internship abroad?

Be part of where things really happen. Go for it!”

Name three things you’ve taken away from your internship.

  1. Due to my time at the hospital, I’m more upbeat about situations even when a case seems hopeless.

  2. When I was browsing social media on my mobile, I sometimes saw barefoot children on the other side of the road who’d walked long distances to get water.

  3. Everything I saw inspired an incredible optimism within me!

What will you never forget?

All of their names, personalities and faces.

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