As a new group of UQ medical students prepare to volunteer in Papua New Guinea, third-year medical student Rose Blackwood reflects on her experience as part of the project.
The PNG Health Project (PHP) is the brainchild of my friend and medical student, Eve Golma. Her vision came to fruition last year when myself and nine other UQ med students travelled to her homeland of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to help educate school kids about health and wellbeing.
Between Monday and Friday we saw over 1000 students across Port Moresby. The kids were aged from five up to 18 years old, and came from a diverse range of backgrounds – from wealthy to poor, living in urban areas as well as very remote areas. All were respectful, engaged, and welcoming. We felt like we were really able to connect with the students, and their teachers, and to open up dialogues about really important topics that they aren’t exposed to in everyday lessons.
