Paediatric Student Nurse Volunteering in Sri Lanka

Hi Guys, My name is Anna Dinsmore and I am currently in my second year studying paediatric nursing at University. I'm very blessed to have to opportunity to volunteer my time abroad for one of my placements. On the 18th of June 2016 I will be flying out for 4 weeks. I will be based in a hospital in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka alongside volunteering in an orphanage in the local area.

Working in a hospital in Sri Lanka will be a great opportunity to get close up clinical exposure and learn about a health care system in the developing world. Conditions in the Local hospitals are very poor, many children are sharing one bed between them and staff and volunteers are overworked and have a lack of resources/equipment. I would like to apply my skills over there and support the medical and orphanage staff in building community and make a positive impact in a place of need. This will be an amazing opportunity for me to expand my knowledge as part of my training but most importantly helping and providing support to these children and young families.

My time spent volunteering in the orphanage will involve teaching the children English, organising and playing games/sports activities, along with providing the love and care these children have been deprived of. The orphanage accommodates children between the ages of 5-16, not all of these children have lost both of their parents, and many have been rescued from broken homes and abusive families or have been given up by their families due to severe financial circumstances. I know my time in both the wards and orphanage will be eye opening and very precious and I intend to make the most of my time there.

Already through the medical programme, the team have funded the creation and development of a community eye clinic within the local government Hospital. Previously, people in the community would have to travel long journeys outside of Ambalangoda to receive treatment and eye tests. Now through developing this eye clinic, the hospital can provide free, easily accessible eye care services to the local community.

Through volunteering I would like to help fund further projects like these to provide for the local community and also use my money to buy toys, clothes and equipment, which are very much needed.

This opportunity is self-funded. I have been saving for a while however donations would be greatly appreciated to support me paying for the rest of the project funds and vaccinations. But most importantly I would love to donate money to the projects and buy resources out there as the hospitals and orphanages constantly battle with shortages of equipment.

Any help is so so appreciated!

Thanks for reading!

Anna x