Class of 1999 Tucker Foundation Fellowship: 2010-2011

The Class of 1999 Tucker Fellow for 2010 is Chris Han '11
Majors: Geography and Economics
Spring 2010

Public Health HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education
Public Health and Education Volunteer - VOLSET
Mukono, Uganda

This spring, Chris will be traveling to Mukono, Uganda to volunteer with the VOLSET organization. This organization works with rural and under-served communities to help alleviate suffering caused by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As a VOLSET volunteer, Chris will also conduct educational programs on disease prevention and care for a wide variety of age groups. Primarily, Chris will design and implement educational programs, teach English and computer skills to youth, and assist in HIV testing and counseling. In addition to this, Chris' service will include participation in community labor projects such as construction of a water tank, a boys' dormitory and community vegetable garden.

Once in Mukono, Chris looks forward to the opportunities of traveling to surrounding communities to assess public health issues. He writes, "I want to meet as many community leaders [as I can] and understand the idiosyncrasies of localized public health as well as gain an understanding of common, systematic issues facing all communities."

At Dartmouth, Chris is a member of Dartmouth Ends Hunger, co-chairing the Lose the Shoes Tournament. In addition, Chris has had extensive experience working with children - as a camp counselor, and a SEAD and DREAM mentor. Chris has also participated in the Alternative Spring Break Dominican Republic program for the past two years, both as trip member and a trip co-leader. This experience introduced Chris to the intricacies of grassroots development, public health applications, and community partnerships. Chris' passion for public health and health rights advocacy also stems from his academic pursuits. To enrich his education in economic and human development, Chris studied "health policies and economics of the welfare state and European Union" at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Chris writes: "My knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, paired with my skills as a group facilitator, value of understanding and empathy, and love for children make the core part of the VOLSET program perfect for me."

Through this Fellowship, Chris is excited to explore the many sides of volunteerism and community service. He looks forward to this experience as an opportunity to gain "agency in the world of community development." Chris writes: "I hope that this experience would help me feel like a partner in development and allow me to come into my own as an advocate for change."



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