Over the summer months Worcester State University's junior field hockey player Jolane Thibualt (Douglas, Mass.) was doing more than winding down from the school year and practicing for the upcoming fall athletic season. This summer Thibault, a Public Health/Pre-Nursing major, embarked on a mission called "Project Safety", with the goal of promoting good hygiene and health for underprivileged children. For the project, Thibault put together first aid kits and sent them across the world to Malawi, Africa.
"My goal is to raise awareness about health in children across the world," said Thibault.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she noted she has received many donations from numerous people to make "Project Safety" possible. Thibault said that several members of the Worcester State University community have contributed to her efforts, including her field hockey coach and some of her professors. Most notably, though, Thibault says that many Worcester State student-athletes have also donated to the project.
With her drive and support from members of the Lancer community, Thibault received enough donations to put together nearly 100 first aid kits, which were shipped to a church in Malawi, Africa on August 1st. While Thibault is unable to be in Malawi, Africa when the first aid kits arrive, a youth group and family friend will be delivering the kits to villages and documenting the experience with photos.
"Since I was a little kid, I have always wanted to start a non-profit organization," commented Thibault. "My first-aid kits will help children stay clean, keep them healthy and lessen the risk of infections."
For more information about "Project Safety" please see the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSafetyHygene/
http://jolanethibault02.wixsite.com/projectsafety
Release by Alyssa Hill | Sports Information Graduate Assistant