For 16-year-old Nicholas Purdy, the opportunity to attend the Rotary Family Health Days in Ilovo, Malawi, was more than just a visit—it was a life-changing experience. A student at a boarding school in South Africa, Nick had heard about the event from his father, who works closely with RFHA. He was eager to see first-hand how healthcare services are provided to communities where access is limited. Little did he know, the experience would have a lasting impact on him.

Nick arrived at the health site with a basic understanding of its purpose: to provide healthcare to people living in remote areas. Many residents had to travel over 100 kilometres just to reach the nearest clinic. “It was an opportunity to give back and gain a new perspective on life,” he said. But what struck him most when he arrived was the sheer number of people waiting for care. “I didn’t expect so many people, and the crowds grew bigger as the days went by,” Nick recalled.

Despite the remote location, the site was well-organized with about 10 different tents providing various health services. One moment that stayed with him was seeing a young child, likely around one and a half years old, walking hand-in-hand with his mother while smiling and dancing to music. As Nick passed, the child looked up and pointed at him, saying “mulungu” (white man) with a big smile. “I’ve heard that term used negatively before, but the way he said it with such happiness really moved me,” Nick said. “It was a reminder that happiness can be found even in the most challenging of circumstances.”

Throughout the event, Nick also got the chance to speak with several healthcare volunteers. As someone interested in pursuing a career in medicine, these conversations were invaluable. Mental health was another area that caught Nick’s attention. At the site, Nick noticed a tent dedicated to it. He learned from the healthcare professional at the tent that mental health is highly stigmatized in Malawi, much like in many other cultures, including his own. “She said that mental health is still taboo, especially for men,” Nick explained. “But she was so pleased with the turnout, and the fact that around 50 men came in shows how important this work is.”

He also witnessed first-hand the direct impact of the healthcare services provided. One memorable story involved a boy who had a tse tse fly removed from his ear, a condition that had caused him ongoing pain and discomfort. “Life is already hard for these kids, and services like that can make a big difference,” Nick reflected. “To think this boy had been living with that pain for who knows how long, and then something as simple as pulling the fly out was able to ease his suffering—it was a big reminder of how necessary these services are.”

While Nick couldn’t offer medical expertise during his time at the site, he did get to play a small but meaningful role. “I was lucky enough to give a baby the polio vaccine,” he said. “RFHA’s CEO Sue Paget told me, ‘Well done, you saved a life,’ and that really hit me. It fueled my desire to do more in the future.”

Nick’s experience at the Rotary Family Health Days inspired him to not only continue pursuing a career in medicine but also to stay involved in service work. He’s now in discussions with his father about joining his local Rotary club. Reflecting on his time in Malawi, he said, “I wish I could have done more, but I plan on coming back once I have the qualifications to make a real difference.”

The impact of the event didn’t just stay in Malawi for Nick. When he returned to school, he shared his experience with his classmates, encouraging them to consider volunteer work. “A lot of them came up to me afterward, saying they felt inspired to do something themselves,” he said. “It’s easy to feel like you can’t make a difference, but even being there made me realize how much of an impact we can have.”

For Nick, the most valuable takeaway from his time at the health days was seeing the power of community and teamwork. “What really inspired me was seeing people from different walks of life come together to achieve one goal—providing healthcare for those who need it most,” he said. “No matter where you came from or what your expertise was, everyone took each other’s opinions seriously, and we all worked together to make it happen.”

As he looks to the future, Nick hopes to remain involved in projects like this, with a focus not just on immediate service but also on sustainability. Nick’s journey to Malawi gave him not only a new perspective on healthcare and service but also fueled his passion to contribute even more in the future. “Helping out and volunteering not only makes a difference in others’ lives, but it also makes a difference in your own life,” he said.