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The teacher behind the volunteers

Ben Calvert doesn't work in an operating room. But as headteacher aboard the Global Mercy™, his skills help other volunteers stay and serve by ensuring their children can continue their education aboard.

Sector General
Location Meadway, Stevenage SG1 2EF, UK
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A different kind of classroom

Ben leads an international school of around 50 students aged 4 to 18. They are the children of crew members serving across the ship, from healthcare and engineering to hospitality and other essential roles.

  • While their parents serve throughout the hospital ship, children continue learning aboard. Ben and the Academy team help make long-term volunteering possible for entire families.

While their parents serve throughout the hospital ship, children continue learning aboard. Ben and the Academy team help make long-term volunteering possible for entire families.

He came as a teacher. He returned with his family.

Ben was just 22 and newly qualified as a PE teacher when he first volunteered aboard the Africa Mercy® in Benin. He later returned as headteacher and met Hannah, a volunteer nurse from California, aboard.

Years later, now with three children of their own, Ben and Hannah chose to return to Mercy Ships as a family, joining the Global Mercy™ in Sierra Leone in 2023.

I’m running the school to ensure no one misses out on an education.
Ben Calvert, Headteacher, Scotland

Making someone else's service possible

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Not every volunteer cares directly for patients. Some make it possible for those who do to stay aboard.

By teaching the children of crew members, Ben and the Academy team help nurses, engineers, maritime professionals and other volunteers serve while knowing their children's education can continue.

That makes education part of the infrastructure behind the hospital.

Could your skills support a whole community?

A hospital ship needs much more than medical professionals.

Teachers, cooks, administrators, IT specialists and many other professionals help make life aboard possible, allowing hundreds of volunteers to bring their own skills to the mission.

Volunteer your skills

Meet the Crew Behind the Ship