1. What is your background (profession/ workplace/ training)?
I am dentist by profession, with a Master’s degree in Public Health. I have also taken up training in basic life support- emergency phase 1 & 2 and worked as a counsellor at a de-addiction clinic. At present, as a fresh Public Health graduate from the University of Melbourne, I volunteer with several organisations such as the “Water Well Project” to transform my gained skill and knowledge, to be utilised to promote and improve health and health seeking behaviour in the general population.
2. What inspired you to become a Water Well volunteer?
As a health care professional, who has worked in rural areas of India, I have always been motivated to make a difference, in any possible way I can. Having heard about the The Water Well Project through a friend, I browsed through the goals and achievements of the Project and didn't have to think twice to sign up for the induction. From that day forth, I have admired and grown fonder of the way the events are organised by the inspirational minds of the organisation. The structure, the networking and the outreach by the Project is something I truly appreciate. As a health promotion activist, I feel organisations like these are what truly make a difference in the lives of individuals, irrespective of their nationality, gender and socio-economic status. Thank you for giving me the opportunity, to be a part of your dynamic team, and contribute in the best ways that I can.
3. Please share one of your favourite Water Well sessions or moments.
Well in fact, I always feel every session has something to take away, so picking one single moment would be a bit of a challenge. I enjoy doing sessions with like minded volunteers, who bring a lot of experience to the table. Let’s see, perhaps the puberty and hygiene session with the kids at WELS Footscray was a lot of fun. The boys and girls had several interesting questions, about the changes that they have been noticing and the questions became more intense once we split the groups into boys and girls. Doubts became facts, and boys were eager to know, why only girls/women can deliver a baby and not them. Well I better leave it at that, as the rest of the questions were pretty intensified. Overall, the session would be rated as one of my favourites.
4. What tips do you have for new volunteers?
As you have signed up to volunteer, for me you guys are already winners. Finding time, from college, work, family and other responsibilities, to make a difference in the lives of others, is something you should be proud off. Your commitment is towards a good cause. Always remember, even if it’s your 1st session or your 10th, do your best and treat each session as your first, as it’s the adrenaline rush (which we all have when running our first session), which brings out your best. I know all of you are wizards in your own respective fields, but do make use of the The Water Well Project's resource kits, which helps in delivering sessions. And contact the community representatives before each session, to know the requirements, do’s and don’ts, to deliver a culturally and socially engaging health talk. ALL THE BEST!!!
