News Advisory - Calgary Resident off to Kenya

Leaves June 7 for six-month internship with health charity

TORONTO, June 5, 2013 /CNW/ - A resident of Calgary will be spending six months in Kenya interning with the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF). Eyerusalem Tessera is one of 10 young Canadians heading out on an internship with AMREF, supported by the Canadian International Development Agency.  Eyerusalem's work will focus on improving the health of mothers, children and youth.

Eyerusalem leaves Canada on June 7, 2013 and will return in December. She chose an internship with AMREF because of her passion for global health.

"I want to be able to understand complex health systems in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse country. I want to learn about the opportunities and challenges of health programs in Africa. I am inspired to work with colleagues that are passionate about health and development and possess extensive experience and technical expertise. I am very excited at the prospect of challenging myself to meet new people, learn a new language and navigate in a new environment," says Eyerusalem.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: Speak to Eyerusalem about what has inspired her to spend six months in Kenya focused on improving the health of mothers, children and young people. Find out what challenges she expects to face, and how she'll adapt to living in a new culture. Eyerusalem is available for interviews before she leaves Canada on June 7, during her six months in Kenya or upon her return to Canada in December 2013.

About AMREF www.amrefcanada.org; @AMREFCanada): The African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) works with communities to improve Africans' health. African-based and African-led, AMREF is a global organization with intimate first-hand knowledge of the health challenges facing African communities. With more than 55 years of experience we are a recognized global leader in African health, having won both the Bill and Melinda Gates Award for Global Health and the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize.

SOURCE: AMREF Canada (African Medical and Research Foundation)

or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Jennifer Foulds, AMREF Canada, [phone]; [phone] (cell)