|
I've just started in my third week at uni and its kind of surreal to think that less than a month ago I was wandering through villages and eating rice and dahl with my bare hand. I just wanted to send you a little email to say thank you for arranging what turned out to be the most incredible five weeks of my life. While there were some minor teething problems, the entire placement worked really well and I felt that I gained some invaluable experience and hopefully contributed to the development of the Pen community.
The people were so lovely and we were very fortunate to all live in the bungalow together. This arrangement had the benefit of allow us to forge strong friendships with each other as well as with our neighbours. By the end of my time I felt like I was leaving my home. I hope that others will be able to experience the same level of hospitality by the Indian people. Aemelia, India |
I spent two weeks working with a local orgainsation and their social workers assisting with village visits. In those two visits I helped the social workers with their assessment of the children and participated in the women's groups. I attended and assisted with women's self help group meetings where we discussed things such as human rights, women's rights and possible remedies for the group. I facilitated discussion and dialogue about the problems that the groups were facing and offered potential solutions. I also answered any questions that the women had.
I also spent two weeks working at the Suhit Jeevan trust where I assisted with teaching, playing and caring for mentally handicapped children. My main function was to provide additional support to the teachers by taking a class of about 12 students and helping them complete set tasks. I also taught the children about Australia.
At the women's self help group I was able to provide the women with an outsider's perspective on issues for women as well as human rights. I used the knowledge and skills I had gained from my law degree to explain to the women the basic human rights that should be afforded to every person. I helped some of the groups by discussing the problems that women in Australia can face and how the Australian government and society react to such problems. I also informed them about how meetings in Australia take place and how they should record what is discussed at their meetings.
Many of the groups had already decided on various actions but I think my presence just gave them insight into another culture. I think I also helped the groups by writing a short report to the organisation documenting the issues that these women were facing. At the Suhit Jeevan Trust I think my presence was invaluable. This school was low on resources. They did not have enough books, pens or teachers to look after all the children. I was ultimately an extra pair of hands and eyes which was greatly needed. I played with the children, helped them with school tasks, and in correspondence with my mother was able to offer some advice on how to deal with the children's problems. The principal and the teachers asked many questions of me regarding how children with the same problems are looked after in Australia.
For me, to be able to make a kid's life easier for those 4 hours was the most important part of my being at the trust. I learnt so much about myself and what I am capable of. I am able to communicate with a myraid of people about a multitude of issues. I was able to give my time for nothing in return and enjoyed it. I learnt a lot about another culture and another way of life and I think I am much more confident and aware of the world.
Aemelia, India
