Today was the first day we all donned our purple Queen Elizabeth Scholars shirts as representatives of Western University. We headed out to meet our boats, student cards in hand, excited to explore the Mombasa Marine Reserve. The only damper on our mood being the two students feeling ill unable to join us. Before we headed out on the boats we had to take a mandatory group picture. This was easier said then done of course. With the perfect shot captured, we headed out under the careful direction of local tour guides. We made our way through the turbulent sea, waves crashing over the bow, to the offshore tidal flats. Once safely on the tidal flats, we began exploring, not really sure what we would find in the knee deep water but as the tide receded we were able to find more interesting creatures. Our most interesting find was these colourful starfish, brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange. They quickly became the center of our attention and the focal point of a photo shoot. Amid this carefree moment, we truly bonded as a group, discovering something new together. For the first time we were no longer thesis or professional students, domestic or international students, but Global Health Systems students.
By: Jean Sauveur Uwitonze (MMASc in Global Health Systems in Africa Candidate); Kathleen Meszaros (Collaborative Program in Global Health Systems Candidate)
The Africa Institute Blog 