The Ambassador Calls!!
on So Now It's Cambodia (Cambodia), 02/Sep/2010 08:25, 34 days ago
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Alison was keen to get back to work as there have been some interesting things going on. Up at Thmar Pouk they've been working on the new children's ward which is being funded by the American forces. Another volunteer, soon to finish her placement and return to England - Jen -has been helping decorate the area including playground with the help of local children. Everyone seems to have been involved and there's a bit of a buzz about Thmar Pouk right now!Back at Mongkul Borei building work has been going on for the new nurses unit so they have somewhere nice to study and stay when they train there. This week Alison was involved in a workshop for the carers. Most of the "caring" is done by the families of patients rather than nurses. So they care for them, cook, do the washing etc. This can make wards look crowded an chaotic at times! They had a workshop to discuss their role and how they could be helped this week. Alison was thrilled at how well it went with many attending and young men being willing to stand up and talk with a microphone to put their points across. It may be they're just confident with mics due to the extent of karaoke here!Alison was delighted when at some point someone said how much they appreciated how much the barang (meaning foreigner ie.Alison!) was doing for them. How nice!This was followed the next day by the visit of the Japanese Ambassador! The hospital was funded by the Japanese and it's called the Japanese Friendship Hospital.  If the photo link from facebook works you should be able to see the hospital and the big backdrop welcoming them which was made within 24 hours - from scratch!! Just shows what can be done!http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=276312&id=573827518So life at Mongkul Borei and Thmar Pouk continues as Alison makes her way back to see me for the weekend in Phnom Penh.