Ever since I lived in Malawi in my youth, I have had a heart for Africa and its people, and have longed to return and contribute in some way. During the 3000+ hour program of massage therapy at the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy, I had the idea of teaching individuals the skills of massage as a means to create employment. My massage training encompassed extensive study of anatomy and physiology, massage therapy skills, communication, business management, ethics and professionalism. My massage experience includes work with a variety of individuals from the athletic elite (Olympic and professional athletes) to the weekend warrior, as well as individuals of all ages with varying diagnosis. I am very passionate about African Touch and believe that I have the skills, knowledge, and dedication required to make ongoing massage therapy training in Africa a reality.
My family moved to Africa when I was seven. We spent four years in Lilongwe, Malawi where my parents worked in missions. My family then moved to north B.C, but I always longed to return to Africa. When I was nineteen I did return and spent nine months traveling from Uganda to Cape Town, South Africa. During this time, I saw the part of Africa that I remembered from my childhood, a land of beauty, power, passion and wonderful people that once again captivated me. I also saw a part of Africa that I had seen in childhood but had not been able to comprehend. Throughout Africa there is a level of poverty that no person should have to endure. I saw many people who lived life with no hope of ever living free of poverty or having access to that which we take for granted, quality food, shelter and basic health care. I also saw a land of enormous wealth, but this wealth was unevenly distributed.
When I left Africa for the second time, I promised myself would not return until I could create employment for people. The next ten years, I spent working with the developmentally delayed teaching activities of daily living and socialization. In 2004, I began my training in massage therapy at Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy. During the 3000+ hour program I had the idea of teaching individuals the skills of massage as a means to create employment.
Through a series of events, I met a woman named Yvonne Poulin, the founder of African Touch, and made contact with Dr. Martin Nkundeki, who resides in Gaba, Uganda. Dr. Nkundeki has offered to help facilitate the upcoming project that will be based out of the hospital in Gaba. I believe in the power of massage therapy and the whole body benefits massage can provide. I believe teaching massage will help to distribute the wealth of Africa more evenly by providing skills individuals can use to gain employment. This project will also provide therapy and relief for individuals living with pain and disability due to injury, chronic overuse and repetitive strain.
