Written by CFK Africa Peacock Fellow, Yared Tadesse. Reposted from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health: https://tarheels.live/globalhealth/2025/06/05/bridging-cultures-and-countries-my-practicum-experience-with-cfk-africa/.
Jump starting my summer practicum with CFK Africa (Carolina for Kibera) has been an eye-opening journey, both professionally and personally. Collaborating with this dynamic organization, renowned for its community-rooted approach to health care in Kenya’s informal settlements, has deepened my understanding of public health challenges and solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Reflecting on maternal and child health
Delving into Kenya’s maternal and child health statistics was both enlightening and sobering. Despite significant strides, challenges persist. The staggering maternal and under-five mortality figures in Kenya, especially in the informal settlements, resonate deeply with me, reflecting the similar hurdles faced in my home country, Ethiopia, where maternal and child health remains a pressing concern. In Ethiopia, comparable, if not worse figures are cited for these metrics likely due to limited access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care. This parallel reflects the shared struggles across the region and the imperative for collaborative solutions.
Cultural parallels and personal connections
One of the most striking aspects of my practicum has been discovering the cultural similarities between Kenyan communities and southeastern Ethiopia, where I previously worked for two years. It was interesting for me to learn about the similar way of living among these neighboring inhabitants, who practice a pastoral way of life and have disproportionate habitation in informal settlements. From communal values to health-seeking behaviors, these parallels have provided a sense of familiarity and deepened my connection to the work. This is in fact a full circle moment for me as I was part of a team that did an extensive literature review on maternal and child health service uptake in pastoral communities of Ethiopia and neighboring countries like Kenya.
Although I couldn’t be on the ground in Kenya, virtual engagements and collaborations with the local Kenyan team have offered rich insights into Kibera’s community fabric. This experience has once again reminded me of the importance of cultural competence in public health initiatives and the value of shared experiences in fostering empathy and understanding.
Professional growth and future aspirations
Working with CFK Africa has been instrumental in shaping my professional trajectory thus far. I am currently working on a grant proposal for an award designed for maternal health equity. Through this process, I am learning how to draft and write proposals and improve my ability to work independently skills.
Finally, as I move forward in my public health career, these experiences will serve as a foundation for impactful work in global health.
Read more about CFK and Yared’s mission here: https://giveunc.unc.edu/cause/cfk-africa-carolina-for-kibera.