1. What is your background?
Doctor/currently enrolled in a PhD at Unimelb.
2. What inspired you to become a Water Well volunteer?
I’ve been interested in global health issues for a long time. I attended the Global Health Conference during medical school and completed an elective in Cambodia. Unfortunately, I was disappointed there weren’t many opportunities for those in my position, as a junior doctor, to take part in volunteering until they completed their training. I heard about the Water Well Project from a friend. He had previously enjoyed facilitating sessions, and highly recommended it. After attending induction back in September 2013 and taking a session or two, I felt it was an ideal organisation for junior doctors and other healthcare workers who want to share their knowledge and skills for the benefit of others.
3. Please share one of your favourite Water Well sessions or moments.
One of my favourite sessions was a Healthy Eating/Nutrition session with the primary school age children at the Western English Language School. Being someone who usually feels a bit out of their depth with children, I was quite surprised how engaged and interested they were (with a bit of encouragement/stern looks from their teachers).
Though I was initially apprehensive, I ended up enjoying the experience a lot - perhaps partly because it was in a setting that I would normally consider to be outside of my comfort zone!
4. What tips do you have for new volunteers?
For new volunteers I would say the same things I usually do at the induction sessions: make sure you contact your fellow volunteers ahead of time, familiarise yourself with the topic templates and provided resources, but try not to over-prepare, as a lot of sessions end up being largely participant-driven anyway. Try to make it an enjoyable experience for yourself and your fellow volunteers.