JENNIFER QUAN, PERSONAL PASSAGE 2008
JENNIFER QUAN, PERSONAL PASSAGE 2008
At RHEST, I mainly work with Uma Lohani, the health coordinator, and usually she shows me their program reports to go over and edit for grammatical corrections. The computer work can be draining, but I have to say it is very interesting to learn about the work they are doing and about women’s health issues, like the prolapsed uterus, which I had never heard of before coming here. I edit reports for a few hours, and then in the last hour or two I end up conversing with Uma or some of the other women in English about different things, like their religion or family, which is nice for both of us so they can practice their English, and I learn about things in their lives.
On the other hand working at Sewa Kendra is much more active, especially with the school children. Usually when I go, I teach and play with the school children. I’ll teach them English or test them out of their science or general knowledge workbooks with games, where they split up into teams and answer questions. On Fridays, they finish their exams early, so I’ll play games and dance with them while they practice their Nepali dancing. I also talk a lot with Surya, one of the teachers, who has been really friendly and helpful in telling me about Kathmandu and places to visit. Sometimes, Dr. Pradhan shows me some of the patients in the clinic and explains the conditions and treatments they are doing, which is very interesting even without having the medical experience or background.
This last week, I went with them to Khokana on Monday and Dolalghat on Wednesday. Both times were really amazing to me. It was so nice to visit because the areas were so beautiful and green, and the leprosy-affected people are so kind and grateful. I really enjoyed those trips with Dr. Pradhan and the other doctors and nurses that come. I think she’s doing amazing work, and talking with her about it has been so inspiring for me! She’s so compassionate and determined to help people.
