WHAT WE DO
Compass has two separate, yet complementary, arms.
- Presence on the Ground: Each year, a team of 8-10 UWA medical students travel to Ethiopia, taking medical gear and supplementary resources, to carry out health and education focused programs within the school and community;
- Student advocates: Students run fundraisers, raising awareness of Compass’ partner organisations, and the objectives of Compass with the added benefit of raising funds for the respective programs
To the communities we serve in Ethiopia. We contribute desperately needed resources and basic health knowledge. We have established a network of NGO partners who have years of experience and established relationships in Ethiopia, and they have guided us to where we can best focus our services. Compass has been able to identify areas of need that medical students can bring meaningful health-focused work to.
To the students involved in Compass. We offer annual trips to Ethiopian communities. These trips provide a unique opportunity to directly and actively engage with medical students at UWA. Such experiences are vital for doctors to achieve a level of cultural competency, providing an opportunity for biases to be challenged, and preparing and inspiring future work in foreign aid.
Students simultaneously become advocates through running events, raising funds and collecting needed resources. Compass catalyses the conservation in the Western Australian medical community about the international health gap, and raises awareness of our partner organisations.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team is comprised of medical students from a diverse range of backgrounds,
who all bring unique skills and a passion for global health to the Compass team.
Our Objectives
- Provide a platform for medical students to volunteer in areas of education and health care in Ethiopia;
- Strengthen the ability of our partner organisations to achieve high impact social outcomes;
- Produce sustainable change in areas of need in Ethiopia through implementation of our programs; and
- Encourage and develop UWA students’ social awareness, interpersonal skills and cultural competency in a dynamic environment
