Shannon Smith, a graduate student of George Mason University Kinesiology programIs a pioneer of a transformer health and well-being training initiative in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The Smith’s six-month community well-being program includes health and well-being education for a cohort of 20 women. Participants receive education on diet, exercise and mental health to finally become “well-being ambassadors” for their sub-communities.
The idea of this program intervened after Smith visited the friends of Victoria Falls, where she saw a banner for pathways – in Africa, a non -profit organization with a mission “to empower and help the inhabitants of Africa thanks to the mutual development of sustainable resources for community planning, education and health services”. Smith connected with the director of the organization by e-mail and, together, they identified the community health education lake. “I offered (hosting) a few workshops, and it turned into this pilot program that we are trying to build,” said Smith.
The pilot program started earlier this year, when Smith facilitated a workshop in person as the basis of program content. The cohort meets once a month for five months to discuss how they use the information, make changes and share what they have learned. “At the end of the program, they will be more informed, will have a healthier life and will be considered leaders in their communities with regard to well-being.”
Smith’s experience in Victoria Falls has close links with her current studies in the kinesiology program in the College of Education and Human Development. Its programming is directly linked to health promotion, the concept of exercise as medicine and previous collaborations with the teacher of George Mason Kinesiology Debra Stroney.
“I helped Dr Narrow With some ‘Exercise is medicine‘ Last semester activities and I can’t wait to continue working in this exercise and food space as a medication, whether for an athletic or general population. »»
Smith has advice to all those who want to serve in their community. “Do it! Locally, it can be easier to find an organization or resources to start a small project. You can see a direct impact near you, which is always pleasant.”
For those who are interested in serving abroad, she advised: “On a global scale, there are more factors at stake, but the reward can be much greater if the country does not have the same resources.” She said that flexibility is the key to overcoming cultural, language or resources barriers.
Overall, Smith encourages anyone interested in the service to get involved: “There is always something to learn, you will establish good connections, you impact lives and you will also have fun.”