Settling in at AKU

Today was a good day for me and I am starting to feel more comfortable here. I’ve begun my internship project, which is promoting the Pediatrics Ward in Aga Khan Hospital. I’m primarily working with 2 Kenyan women who are both highly accomplished and are passionate about their professions; so I am really looking forward to learning about communications and nursing from them. I have considered taking an after-degree in nursing and I think that this project with pediatrics and working with the director (a former critical care nurse) will offer some keen insights before I make any big decisions.

I’m also beginning to get to know more people who are working in the hospital. Last night my fellow intern Jonathan (also from the U of A) took me to a potluck dinner that is hosted for Canadians who are working at AKU. There are so many from Edmonton, its amazing! And there soooo much great Indian food (now I just have to ask the hosts to teach me how to make some decent Indian food). It has definitely been comforting to know that I can safely go to the Sports Club at night or visit friends in nearby apartment buildings without worrying about being mugged by walking through the hospital grounds. I have struggled with having to be at home by 6:30 pm since it is not safe to walk alone at night in Nairobi. However, there is a lot of security around the hospital and they are willing to walk us across the street to our estate at night which makes it a lot safer to be out until 8-9 pm. So now I can enjoy the warm night air of Nairobi!

I took some pictures of the AKUH, so you can get a sense of how developed Kenya is becoming. From reading the newspaper and talking with people, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of changes happening in Kenya. It’s exciting because the population is so young here and there is quite a bit of opportunity for young people in the workplace. It will be interesting to watch Kenya over the next 5-10 years because I think there will be some social and economic reshaping. Hopefully politically as well, because Kenyan government has struggled with corruption for a number of years. I am going try to compile a reading list for those of you who would like to learn more about Kenya because it truly is fascinating.

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