JourneyMaa

The Global Health Accelerator Programme

Join our 2027 Global Health PROGRAMME

  • JourneyMaa is Maa’s flagship project held annually  during the summer. It offers an unforgettable opportunity for volunteers to firsthand witness Maa’s efforts to improve maternal health in rural Sylhet, Bangladesh. Maa aims to select a dedicated team of passionate volunteers to visit Bangladesh, where they will: gain insights into current health standards; engage with a variety of professionals from healthcare students to leading obstetricians; and ultimately understand why Maa’s work is essential.

  • Anyone from over the age of 18 can apply to go on JourneyMaa. You do not need to be a student, you do not need to have a medical background and you do not need to know how to speak Bangla.

  • We are offering you the opportunity to get creative and submit a video as part of your online application form. Please submit a short video (5-10 minutes) of yourself answering the questions from the online application form. This can be a simple video of yourself talking at the camera, or as extravagant as you would like! We are looking for personality, creativity and enthusiasm - so have fun and tell us why you are a great fit for the JourneyMaa team. 

    Once you have created your video, please upload it onto Google drive or YouTube (as an unlisted video if you wish), and copy the link to your video into the application form. Please then complete the rest of the online application, excluding the questions you have already answered in your video. You can also upload the video directly onto the form. 

    Please note, the video submission is an entirely optional alternative to written answers on the application form.

    If you need more information about how to upload a video onto Google drive or Youtube, please visit:

  • The application process involves two stages: the online written application and in-person interviews for shortlisted candidates.

  • We aim to let you know the outcome of your online written application one/two weeks after the submission deadline.

  • There will be two parts to the interview process: a team building activity and a 1-to-1 panel interview. This is subject to change, but applicants will be notified if there are any changes. 

  • Each interview will take place on the last two consecutive weekends in October.

  • There are a total of 20 places available on JourneyMaa 2027.

  • The exact dates of JourneyMaa 2027 are to be confirmed, but it will either take place at the end of July or beginning of August and the team will be in Bangladesh for 13 days . Dates are subject to change based on flight availability.

  • Maa is looking for dedicated and passionate individuals to visit Bangladesh, and deliver our renowned,  life-changing health camps in Sylhet. In your application, showcase accomplishments, experiences and projects you have been a part of, and your fundraising potential to demonstrate why you should be a part of the JourneyMaa team.

    The JourneyMaa team works alongside Bangladeshi medical students and doctors in a collaborative effort to provide tailored health screenings and education programmes to mothers, therefore excellent team working skills are necessary.

    A key role of JourneyMaa volunteers is to act as ‘Global Maternal Health Ambassadors’ for Maa,

    both during and after their work in Bangladesh. Thus, please convey why you want to join Maa and how you can further our goal of revolutionising maternal healthcare. We have stated  recommended word limits next to the application questions.

  • Your main responsibilities at the health camps are as follows:

    • Measuring and obtaining basic medical observations from the attending mothers, including:

    1. Blood pressure

    2. Blood glucose

    3. Urinalysis (urine dip)

    • Assisting in an educational workshop, to help teach stages of pregnancy, safe motherhood, and newborn care, which have previously proven to produce positive impacts on mothers and girls attending.

    • Perform an evaluation of the mother’s pregnancy experience, and the health camp itself through taking a thorough history, and completing an evaluation form on behalf of the mother. This will help inform future decision making, and improve JourneyMaa for future generations.

  • Being Summer Lead involves coordinating and delegating roles in the maternal health camps, overseeing the wellbeing of your team members and being the voice of JourneyMaa 2027! You will have the role of representing the amazing work that JourneyMaa does on social media, as well as taking the lead in talking about your experiences on the ground to inspire the next generation of volunteers. If you feel you have great leadership qualities, we encourage you to apply!

  • You will need to cover the cost of a return flight ticket to Bangladesh and accommodation with all expenses paid, which costs approximately £1500.

  • You will be expected to stay and travel with the Maa team.

  • You are expected to fundraise at least £3,500 in order to attend.

  • Your fundraising target is vital in the running of health camps, including costs involved with medication, equipment, and food/drink for attending mothers. The total will also cover the cost of part of your accommodation and transport throughout the duration of the JourneyMaa mission.