2021 Fellows Gather in Person

A group of our 2021 Fellows enjoyed their first in-person gathering March 12-20 in Phuket, Thailand – a welcome opportunity for them to build on the bonds they have developed during virtual programming over the past year. The ten Fellows in attendance were able to “meet the person behind the screen” during this In-Person Learning Event as they shared personal histories, reviewed core competencies for leadership and health equity, brainstormed ideas for second-year projects, and learned more about equity issues in the region.

Evidence of Fellows’ new skills was on display over the course of the weeklong program. Fellows used public narrative techniques, for example, to describe some of the social, political, environmental, and technological changes that have affected themselves, their families, and their communities. Shared interests in health security, vaccine equity, and health literacy surfaced as they discussed ideas for their second-year projects.

A highlight of the program was a field visit to Koh Surin, where Fellows were introduced to some of the ways that the indigenous Moken community maintains its relationship with the surrounding environment. Development and tourism have brought significant changes to the lifestyle and livelihoods of this community of sea nomads, and through conversations with Moken community leaders and government officials, Fellows learned about the complex issues the Moken face regarding politics, education, public health, and other issues.

Fellows look forward to their next in-person program, when they travel to the United States for Global Learning in June, and the additional opportunities for sharing and bonding that program component will offer.