Maritime Jobs
Monday, December 23, 2024

Living Life Aboard a Floating Hospital

January 18, 2017

Caleb and chef Serge Nzembele in the galley of Africa Mercy, a floating hospital. (Photo courtesy of Caleb Biney)

Caleb and chef Serge Nzembele in the galley of Africa Mercy, a floating hospital. (Photo courtesy of Caleb Biney)

The author, 14-year-old Caleb Biney, is one of 39 Kid Reporters in the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps. He reports “news for kids, by kids” from onboard Mercy Ships in Africa.
 
My parents volunteer for Mercy Ships. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens of Lindale, Texas, the organization utilizes hospital ships to serve people in West Africa. Vessels provide clean water, electricity, and free surgical care to people living in poverty.  I have lived on the Africa Mercy since I was six months old. My father, Joseph, works in the engineering department, and my mother, Agnes, is in human resources.
 
 “I find it interesting and full of adventure,” said B.J. Barki, 10, who also lives on the ship. When B.J. is not in school or studying, he enjoys playing Minecraft. Every Tuesday, chef Serge Nzembele and his crew cook a typical African meal of rice, chicken, beans, and fried plantains. The food is laid out cafeteria-style.  “Life is a bit difficult,” says Nzembele. “We’re far from our family, but once we start enjoying the people on board, we find it very interesting.” After work, Nzembele relaxes by watching TV. “I enjoy the environment and being surrounded by many people with different cultures,” he says.
 
Going to School @ Sea
An Academy on the ship allows volunteers to stay on board for longer periods of time. Their children can attend school from Kindergarten through Grade 12. There are 36 students and 15 teachers from six nations enrolled in the Academy. Subjects include Bible, English, Science, Math, Social Studies, and French.
 
During the sailing schedule of the ship, school continues unless the weather is really rough. Unlike other students, B.J. does not enjoy attending school and sailing at the same time.  “The ship rocks, and you fall off your chair,” B.J. says. But students may get to see some marine life, including whales, dolphins, and flying fish, which they always enjoy.
 
(Reprinted with permission from Scholastic)
 
 
AfricaDon Stephenselectricity

Featured Jobs

Damage Control Assistant Leader

Military Sealift Command

Oiler

NOAA

Multiple Employment Opportunities Available

Bronx, New York, United States

Sr Engineering Course Instructor

Mariitme InstituteNorfolk, Virginia, United States

Medical Services Officer

Military Sealift Command

Featured Employers

Military Sealift Command

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a United States Navy organization that controls most of the re

Ryan Ship Management Pvt Ltd

RYAN provides recruitment, logistical, catering and technical services to the offshore and non-offsh

NOAA

Enjoy an exciting career with NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations!NOAA is home to the na