Ruhunu Children’s Home Galle, Sri Lanka
My placement. Galle, South coast. Projects Abroad. Working at Ruhunu Children’s home. Living with host family.
What was my role? In charge of “Baby 1” group. Feeding, playing, changing, washing. Helped with physio exercises for older children. Cleaning. Helped to take babies to hospital.
Experiences that I can use in future practice Learnt how to cope with limited resources. Learnt how to tell a child is sick without machines. Working in another culture with language barriers. Had to be more assertive. Learnt to take the initiative.
What have I learnt about myself Able to cope in stressful, strange situations. Act as an advocate. Able to take initiative. Able to be resourceful.
Broader issues Different attitudes towards discipline. Different ideas about hygiene/infection control. Attitudes towards women.