ABOUT
VAW-Global Health Alliances
In 2019, it became apparent that Volunteers Around the World (VAW) was no longer a volunteer organization, but rather an alliance built on partnerships. For more than a decade we had focused on building partnerships with amazing community leaders, and professionals in the countries where we operate. We have participated in providing opportunities in education, business, and personal growth for many of our staff and also young people in our host countries. It came time to update our name to be more representative of who we are as an organization.
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We changed our name to VAW Global Health Alliance in January 2020. As an organization, we are always looking for ways to do things better, to evolve, and to provide the best patient care possible. Our goals are to create opportunities for young people in all the countries we touch; provide fair, quality, and equitable employment to women; and to give the best care possible to our patients. Our name has changed, yet we have also not forgotten where we came from. Below is our history:
Volunteers Around the World (VAW) was founded by Mark and Rebecca Stanley in 2006. Mark and Becky met in Peru, where they were both working for an NGO. They had always wanted to start an organization after their work in Peru. Later, while trekking throughout Central and South America, they came across Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and knew they had found the place where they wanted to start their project.
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They were inspired by the beauty of the lake and the people who lived in the surrounding communities. They also met Dr. Israel Hernandez who operated an NGO called Amí San Lucas in the region, and knew they had found a partner with whom they could collaborate on long term development projects.
Partnerships and internships for better health.
VAW Global Health Alliances (VAW Global) is a global health and development organization committed to cultivating sustainable and equitable partnerships with local communities and professionals through support and capacity-building for essential and accessible health services. Our focus is to work hand-in-hand with local initiatives and leaders to provide communities with improved access to medical, dental, and veterinary treatment. We also work to provide medication, nutritional security, clean water, and health education to these communities.
Vision
The VAW-Medical Chapter at Alabama A&M University envisions creating a transformative pathway for future healthcare leaders. Our mission is to provide students with hands-on medical experience, opportunities to strengthen their medical school applications, and exposure to international healthcare systems. Through meaningful service, immersive learning, and global collaboration, we aim to inspire compassionate, skilled, and culturally aware professionals ready to make an impact both at home and abroad.
