Benin Memories – Week 1

It’s only been a week, and I’ve already seen some harsh realities: extreme poverty, child labor, inaccessible medical treatments, unjustified government expenditures, and young people with limited resources spending time in casinos. These are just a few things I’ve noticed, and I’m not jumping to conclusions yet—I need more time to really understand what’s going on around me.

But there’s another side too. I’ve felt the warmth and love of family life and heard some incredible stories of resilience and effort. These moments make me feel both admiration and a mix of anger and shame. I’m angry about the need to overcome these injustices and poverty, and I feel ashamed because the system that gives me privileges is also responsible for their struggles.

Work-wise, things are going well, even though being a Biomedical Engineer is pushing me to my limits. It’s not so much about pushing boundaries but more about the perception that my engineering background means I can handle anything. And hey, I haven’t even graduated yet!

We’re teaming up with the WHO to develop a national plan for manufacturing and supplying hospital oxygen. At the same time, we’re adjusting ventilators, infusion pumps, and extruders.

Making improvements in the lab seems quite doable. The clinic’s biggest asset is its talented team. I’ll share more detailed updates on our management and public health efforts in the next few diaries.

Taking on many responsibilities in a short time has allowed me to interact with all the staff and hear different perspectives. My mentor’s absence due to health issues made me uneasy at first, but now I’m relying on my own judgment.

I spend a lot of time alone—reading, reflecting, taking photos, and exercising. My French is slowly getting better—I’m not fluent yet, but I’m communicating more effectively, which feels like progress. Right now, I feel up to the challenge, but only time will tell how long that lasts.

Talk soon.