Thanks!

Hello! My name is Ellan Dickieson and I am a fourth year Psychology major, Sociology minor at the University of Prince Edward Island. I have lived on PEI my whole life and am looking forward to broadening my horizons through my SWB placement. My placement is with Holy Cross Hospice located in Gaborone, Botswana. Holy Cross Hospice has been host to many international volunteers and provides care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS and their caretakers.

From home based care to orphan care to nutrition, Holy Cross Hospice seeks to help undertake the burden of HIV/AIDS. I will specifically be working with the Kids Program. This is an after school program that is beginning in January 2008. Already the program is expected to have over 150 participants. The Kids program will take place in the community and assist orphan and vulnerable children (OVC).
ÂÂ
This opportunity is something that I have personally wanted to do since my final year of high school. During my grade 12 year I attended a conference in Ottawa where I learned about various volunteer missions to Africa. From the first presentation I knew that this was something I had to do. I have a great desire to help other people and I feel that this experience will be the perfect opportunity to put my skills to use!
ÂÂ
During this placement I also hope to gain many skills and much knowledge which will help me in the continuation of my education. I plan on perusing a Masters in Social Work, am I am sure that this experience will provide me with tons of education I cannot gain elsewhere.
ÂÂ
As this is my first international experience this placement is also a personal challenge for me. Although I have no doubts in my abilities to adapt to a new environment I am really looking forward to engaging in this new expedition. Lets just say I think I can handle the spiders- but Im already dreaming about snakes!