Hallo! Mholweni! I'm thrilled to have been accepted into an internship program partnering with rehabilitative therapists at the Nazareth House/ The Villa in Cape Town, South Africa (link below). 

What is needed?

- There are more patients than therapists and funds, so unpaid interns help fill that need. That's me. 
- It's a mutually beneficial partnership. I already have work experience rehabilitating patients with neurological deficits. I will also gain invaluable learning opportunities from the therapy staff, including international affairs. 
- Supplies purchased from local businesses that will support South African economy and also the children/elderly at Nazareth House/The Villa. 
- Global health matters.

Where are the funds going?
- Program logistics, outreach, insurance, partnerships, development, transport, events, charitable giving.
- Housing 
- Everything extra will be used to locally purchase diapers, formula, clothing, food, art supplies, wheelchairs, medical equipment, etc. Basically anything the Nazareth House/The Villa currently needs. 

Why is this meaningful to me? 

Everyone deserves to have independence to do the things that matter most to them and to connect with others in meaningful ways instead of isolation. Such as: taking care of basic needs, gaining back mobility, coping with memory loss / terminal illness, gaining back a sense of self, and expressing creativity. To be loved, laugh and have fun!

I spent a week in Cape Town in September and created some close bonds with members of the community there. When this opportunity presented itself I couldn't help but to apply and now here I am!
I am very passionate about becoming the best therapist I can possibly be. I believe in embracing cultural differences, keeping an open mind, and become a better provider because of it. I'd like to give back to a community that gave me so much of my own healing by only spending a week exploring and connecting with the people. 

It was important for me to find work I feel connected to while I'm in between applications to graduate school.
I'm doing my best to save as much as possible in this short time frame. It's tough out there for many of us and I have no expectations with donations. If you know of other resources you think might be helpful, let me know! 

I think this very unique opportunity is worth striving for and I have so much gratitude to just be here. 

"Be a lamp. Or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone's soul to heal. Walk out of your house each day like a shepherd" - Rumi

Have questions? Just feel like reaching out? I'm here :) 
Email: akeates@live.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ashmeisterr
Instagram: ashleykeates