Scholar Mirabel Asante-Sefa’s extensive volunteering in Melbourne helps her support vulnerable communities in Ghana better

For many students full-time study, being a parent to three children, taking on part-time work, and finding the time to extensively volunteer in our community is beyond reachable. Not for Mirabel Asante-Sefa, a Ghanaian Australia Awards scholar, wife, and mother of three, who is completing a Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne.

Not having work back home when she finishes her studies in June 2024 does not distract her either. She is registered with the not-for-profit organisation, Partnerships for Sustainable Development. This organisation supports vulnerable communities in Ghana by promoting social inclusion and providing economic opportunities to youth, women, and other vulnerable groups. She plans to support them with the implementation of their projects while finding a permanent job within the public health sector where she can tackle the most prevalent health challenges in Ghana.

When not studying and supporting her three children who accompanied her to Australia, Mirabel volunteers at the Church of All Nations (CAN) Community Support, joining their Community Support Board in October 2023. Every Wednesday afternoon Mirabel dedicates time to supporting her local community as this aligns with her deep belief in humanitarianism and being altruistic and compassionate. “It gives me a sense of personal fulfilment and purpose, a connection to the community, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need”, she says.

Motivated by a want to address the many public health challenges afflicting her community, such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Non-Communicable Diseases, and the demonstrated lack of preparedness that affected all countries during the COVID-19 and Ebola pandemics of recent years. Mirabel identified research as being central to improving health outcomes for the country.

Mrs. Asante-Sefa says “I knew studying in Australia would expose me to international best practices and facilitate valuable networking opportunities. This opportunity would allow me to cultivate my leadership skills that would progress my career on my return to Ghana”.

Taking courses on research and data analytics, including qualitative research in public health, epidemiology and biostatistics, Mirabel is seeking to develop her understanding of the underlying factors contributing to the plethora of public health challenges in Ghana. Her goal is to develop health promotion and prevention strategies such as community-level engagement to raise awareness and provide education on good hygiene practices and living a healthier lifestyle. She also wants to research and find evidence to support targeted interventions and develop healthcare policies that will improve access to services for marginalised communities.

As a volunteer, she helps set up the Food Market for the community and delivers food parcels to vulnerable people in the Carlton community. She also offers advice to community members and supports them in using other public services.  Wednesdays are a highlight for Mirabel when she assists in organising community lunches and enjoys the affection and support of her tight-knit community.

Mirabel’s advice to future awardees? “Stay inquisitive, take initiative, and actively network within your career fields and communities. Utilise online platforms to discover opportunities and, most importantly, be persistent, even when confronted with challenges. Effective time management is essential to balance your academic commitments with anything else”, she says.