Clemson students study in Ghana

CLEMSON - A group of Clemson University students is preparing to go back to Africa this summer to set up a health care clinic at a local church.

Students will go to Sekondi, Ghana, on July 21 and plan to take simple items such as sunglasses and vitamins, as well as medical supplies for their patients.

The students, who pay their own way, are collecting reading glasses, travel-size bottles of moisturizer, aloe gel and other items that can help prevent blindness, skin problems and other ailments associated with desert life, said Anita Hunter, assistant professor of nursing and pediatric nurse practitioner.

Jennifer Badia took part in a previous trip with four other students and two faculty members.

The 22-year-old public health science student was impressed by the kindness and generosity of the people.

"They are so spiritual, happy and at peace with what they have, it makes you look at yourself, how much we have and are not satisfied," Badia said.

Students making the trip must take small, lightweight items because everything, including the medical supplies, must be carried as luggage.