Just another manic Wednesday.

Today was our last day in Popondetta. In the morning we held an education session with a small group of nurses and community health workers (CHWs). It was our second round of presentations and the topics were:

Meeting everyone and introductions to the training session

I didn’t really know what to expect about these sessions. I wondered how useful they would be and how much the health workers already knew on these topics, as they have a vast amount of clinical experience. On the topic of infection control, I thought that they would already know the basics about the importance of hand washing, but perhaps didn’t know as much about implementing it in practice (it turned out they knew both – the problem was the same as it is in Australia and anywhere else: we all know what to do, but it’s a matter of getting everyone to practice hand hygiene all the time).

In order from top: presentations from Sue, Radha, myself, Mel

What I found most interesting was talking to and getting feedback from the health workers at the end of the session. Olive said that it was new material, especially with the obstetric emergencies. In terms of infection control, she said it was things they already knew but good to be reminded on, as optimal hand hygiene may not always be practiced. 

I also really enjoyed having a chat to Karen, the immunisation nurse at Siroga clinic (see Day 4). With a particular interest in the obstetrics talk, she is really keen on learning and was seeking more resources such as textbooks and drug guidelines. 

She also explained how the schooling system works in PNG, with elementary school until grade 3, primary school until grade 8, high school beyond that. Students are required to sit a series of entrance exams at 3 main points – to progress from Year 8 to Year 9, Year 10 to Year 11, and from Year 12 onto university. It also means that students who do not meet the selection criteria don’t continue their education through that pathway, and may join the workforce, continue training/studies elsewhere, or do something else entirely. Little by little I’m coming to understand a bit more about life here (perspective yo).

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After packing up, farewelling Liz at the airport, a short flight back to Port Moresby and quite a few salted peanuts later, we were high up in the clouds on our way to Madang, where we’ll be embarking from onto the next stage of our adventure. Tonight we’re staying in Madang, tomorrow we’ll be catching a boat across to Kaka island for a 2 day adventure – not exaggerating – as we really aren’t quite sure what to expect.

I’m constantly reminded of how very lucky we are, and overwhelmed by the abundance of opportunities that we have in Australia. We can learn what we want to learn, dream what we want to dream, and best of all, have the ability to carve out our dreams and make them happen. We enjoy such a good quality of life, such richness and diversity of our culture and society. We are taught from a young age to be open-minded and tolerant, to respect and to be respected, and to treat everyone as equals. Nothing has opened my eyes to the world we live in as much as they have been by being here, having a glimpse and a listen to other people’s lives.

I’m feeling a little drowsy and a little nervous/excited about what tomorrow brings. I’m half anticipating getting sea-sick on the 2 hour boat ride across (touch wood!?) and the uncertainty of what is next to come is a little unnerving. Here's to something new, we're glad to have each other.

Carrie