I decided to go to Zanzibar
because part of my nursing degree involved undertaking an overseas elective. I
have always wanted to travel to Africa and after two years of nursing study in
the UK
I felt it was time to do something different. Zanzibar offered not only the opportunity to
experience third world healthcare but also beautiful scenery and warm sunshine
in my time off!
On arrival in Zanzibar
I was met at the airport and taken to the Work the World house. It was even
better than the pictures on the website! The house was amazing and I was
instantly made to feel at home. The rooms were large and there was plenty of
space for relaxing in the large living room, dining room and any one of the
houses’ rooftop balconies – which were excellent for sunbathing! Another bonus
of the house was its closeness to Mbweni beach next to the hotel which was only
a minute from the house – perfect for a swim after work or a lazy weekend on
the beach!
My orientation to Stone
Town was a very new
experience, from the moment we left the house for the daladala stop. The
daladala was described to me before I went as a shared minibus but nothing
could quite prepare you for your first experience! The best advice you could
take with you is to keep an open mind and enjoy every minute of it! Despite
being in a brand new country I couldn’t have felt more welcome on my first
visit to Stone Town with all the locals greeting me with African phrases
‘jambo’ and ‘karibu’ meaning ‘hi’ and ‘welcome’!
Mnazi Mmoja hospital is a far cry from hospitals that we are used to but
it was a very rewarding experience having the opportunity to see how doctors
and nurses in Zanzibar
cope with the limited resources. Whilst working in the hospital I spent time in
many areas including; ICU, major surgery, minor surgery, maternity, and clinics
such as the eye clinic, HIV clinic and leprosy clinic. All the staff were
friendly and always willing to answer any questions. After four weeks working
at Mnazi Mmoja I felt like I had benefited massively from my experience and had
gained a lot of knowledge of the differences in nurse’s roles between Zanzibar and the UK.
There was plenty to do in your spare time in Stone Town
from shopping to the local cinema (which only cost 25p!). There are many other
opportunities to explore Zanzibar
including snorkelling, giant tortoises, swimming with dolphins, seeing the Red
Colobus monkeys in Jozani forest, spice tour, many museums and the Anglican Church
which is the site of the old slave market.
Right from the moment I booked my elective, Work the World were always there to answer any questions. I felt supported at every moment of planning and whilst in Zanzibar and would strongly recommend choosing Work the World for an overseas elective or work experience. I had a truly unforgettable trip!!
