So far........

Well, today I finished my VSO pre-departure training at Harbourne Hall, VSO's residantial training centre at Harbourne in Birmingham. We've been on the go now since selection in March 2006, with global education and fundraising tasks still to complete, never mind any kind of real planning and packing for November!



Harbourne Hall, VSO residential training centre

Timeline of events so far:
January 2006 - Application for the project - detailed form and CV required

February 2006 - Assessment day for limited spaces on the Youth for Development (YfD) program - (56 places offered) - series of individual interviews and group discussions; workshops; and group exercises

March 2006 - Selection for the YfD program - completion of VSO CV document for potential employers to view, completion of placement questionnaire which outlined hopes, needs and specific type of placement I was looking for

April 2006 - Post selection training completed (first personal preparation course for volunteers going overseas with the YfD program specifically) - 1 week - introduced vols to YfD's learning and training process; encouraged vols to think about motivations for volunteering alongside potential challenges and issues the might be faced when moving to a new environment overseas; explored concept of Global Education and potential projects; and enabled vols to take responsibility for their placement decision by being realistic about personal and professional capabilities
- Medical examination and clearance granted, passport and visa details collected

June 2006 - Final placement offer received - ECSAT Sri Lanka - received documentation of job outline and goals, alongside information about the NGO (non-goverment organisation) - Placement analysis and acceptance form completed; outlining how my skills and experiences are suitable for placement, possible gaps in my experience or knowledge, and reasons for wishing to be considered for placement
- Volunteers and Development self-study module pack completed - gave introduction to various global and development issues that will face vols in many areas of the world - from the debt crisis and health issues, to globalisation, power history and influences, understanding disadvantage, and development contexts
- Letters sent to various comunity groups in this area to offer sharing of the project with their group; to the British journal of OT (BJOT) news journal for publicity around the project; and messages posted on VSO, World Federation of OT and OTION websites for advice and guidance from other OT's

July 2006 - Pre-departure training completed - I week - second of the two YfD specific courses which built on learning from the post-selection course, self-study pack, and incorporated 1:1 discussions with the YfD program leaders. It involved workshops about realities of living and working overseas, and promoting international understanding; cultural differences and skills for working across cultures; relationships and emotions; overcoming issues in workplaces; HIV&AIDS and development; and learning about new approaches to development. It also included talks from returned volunteers
Dentist examination and clearance granted, injections begun at local GP's

August 2006 - Disability and development training course (with vols who are all working within VSO's 'disability' focus for the YfD or full 2 year program) - - learning was predominantly through group working and discussions about workshop topics around models of disability; attitudes and culture; disability within development context and resources; participation and approaches; advocacy; adapting resources; and issues around gender, imbalances within disability as a whole, power, and hierarchical working environments
Global Education agreements completed - plans finalised for the global education projects - agreement form completed to specify aims, objectives, timeframes and results to be achieved by projects, alongside confirmation of supervisor details for these projects
Health and security training course (with vols from both the YfD program, and also vols who are doing the full 2 year program) - 1 day - highlighted medical and security issues related to volunteering in new and unfamiliar environments; tips for actively and consciously minimising potential risks; information and tools to help vols maintain and adapt general well-being; and sharing strategies for dealing with difficult situations
Skills for working in development (SKWID) (with vols from both the YfD program, and also vols who are doing the full 2 year program) - 1 week - learning through participatory and interactive workshop activities, discussions and scenarios about diversity and disadvantage; effective communication and relationship building overseas; stakeholder analysis; facilitation skills; volunteer roles; participatory approaches - theory and tools; building bridges; participatory planning and review; networking and mobilising resources; negotiation; corruption and conflict; and finally scenarios for practicing skills for working in development from the course

We've explored issues from cultures, religions, community norms and systems, to communication, power balances and shifts, relationships,perceptions, roles, and our own needs and skills for actually coping with challenges.... and all the courses have been run in small group settings, with those of a similar background or focus, or those going to a similar country, and we remained in these groups for the whole of each course to develop relationships and network amongst ourselves

This week on SKWID training i've learnt skills and tools for working to facilitate changes with organisations and communities, to negotiation and conflict situations and strategies. It was focussed on using development strategies and concepts written about by Paulo Freire in Brazil and Robert Chambers from the department of Development studies at the University of Sussex. We largely used participatory approaches which are central to VSO's approach to development, thus focussing on facilitating change in others and in action rather than being the change....

Its been extremely challenging for us all - I found myself being forced to consider developing a more dynamic and assertive toolbox, whereas for others it was more about considering interpersonal and interactive skills when working with different people and organisations.





SKWID training, August 2006 -
The VSO organisational structure chain
VSO's volunteer schemes/ programs and activities
Considering regional centres' organisational structures and services overseas
Considering capital city organisational structures and services overseas
Using the johari window tool to consider stakeholders within our future placements
'Networking' workshop

Im going to have the rest of my country specific injections on monday afternoon at the Department for Tropical Medicine in Liverpool... Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis. So no doubt I will have a heavy, swollen arm for the rest of the week again, as when I had my Hep A, Hep B, Pneumonia and Typhoid jabs!

The next mission is finalising plans for my 'World Awareness/Youth Celebration' events, and 'Introduction to Sri Lanka' workshops which are beginning from the 15th September. I have also established contact with the occupational therapy school at Liverpool Uni regarding workshops for students about my project and VSO's opportunities, and am hoping to arrange to do the same at the University of Derby, where I trained for 3 years. I have secured one mentor from the SCOPE inclusive youth group, and hope to find a lecturer at one of the universities who will agree to supervise any OT related work I do overseas such as small research projects-reports-or teaching.

Anyway, the time is now late, so I will report back in a few days. To be continued......
Over and out

Placement documentation

Section A – Placement Outline
1. Placement details
Job title:
Occupational Therapy Consultant

Partner Organisation:
ECSAT (Equality-based Community Support And Training)

Head Office:
7a Simon Abeywickrama Avenue, Mount Lavinia
Sri Lanka

Tel: +94 (0)11 2735649
E-mail: ecsatlanka@gmail.com
Website: www.ecsatlanka.org
Operational base:
75 Elliot Road
Galle
Sri Lanka
Country:
Sri Lanka

2. Likely volunteer role / responsibilities
NB This section can be updated and changed as progress is made on an ongoing basis
Rationale for placement and how it fits into the partnership between VSO and the partner organisation
The Occupational Therapist is seen as a vital link between our organisations capacity now and where we want to be in two years. For this reason the volunteer will not be focused on service delivery, but will be engaged in training and advising on programme development in the light of Occupational Therapy. This volunteer is needed because in Sri Lanka there are only around 35 local OTs, the vast majority of whom work for the Government and do not have the time to advise NGOs. There are also questions about the quality of their training, and so a foreign-qualified trainer/advisor would ensure that ECSAT develops in a way that is up-to-date and relevant in the modern world.
VSO has not developed a formal partnership with ECSAT at present. However, ECSAT’s approach and way of working are in line with VSO’s approach and disability programme area objectives. VSO will explore the possibility of a more long-term partnership with ECSAT in the future. This placement could be a possible entry point for such a partnership.
Likely volunteer role
The volunteer would take on the role of training staff to be able to work in a way that takes into account the essentials of Occupational Therapy, and advising the organisation on how to develop its programme and systems with regard to services to people with disabilities in the most professional and appropriate way. This work would have to be done within the context of the volunteer using their own knowledge and experience, plus learning about the situation on the ground from field staff, and also liaising with other doctors and professionals in the field in Galle.
Likely tasks and duties of the volunteer
- Training of ECSAT staff in essential OT knowledge, how to work with people with disabilities, contemporary disability issues, how to train and support carers and parents of people with disabilities, identifying and referring people with disabilities
- Design and implement a simple system of providing support that includes identification of need, methods of support, referral, follow up and record keeping.
- Liaising with government and NGO health service providers on technical aspects of rehabilitation to make sure our models are compatible, and where possible contributing to training initiatives.
- Provide ongoing on-the-job training and support to key ECSAT staff.
- Maintain a dialogue about the development of the disability programme with the Director including any issues about the way the programme is developing.

3. Volunteer profile
Educational qualifications
Essential:
Graduate in the field of Occupational Therapy.

Professional work experience
Essential:
At least one year of work experience, experience of working with people with disabilities
Desirable:
Experience of working in a foreign country, experience of training others, experience of working with children with disabilities

Other skills / competencies
Essential:
Computer literacy
Desirable:
Knowledge of Community-based Rehabilitation
Essential pre-departure training requirements
If possible, a course on working with communities in a participatory manner if volunteer has no experience of this, and training methodology
Personal qualities
Self motivation, ability to manage own time, adaptability, cultural sensitivity, openness to change, patience with systems that are often slow or illogical, and diplomacy in all situations.

4. Placement specific information
Professional support available at placement (within or outside the employing organisation)
Doctors from Karapitiya hospital and the Ministry of Health in Galle work very closely with ECSAT through the Galle Disability Network that ECSAT was instrumental in establishing. Closest local Occupational Therapist is in Matara, while we also have close links with a foreign Occupational Therapist who has been in Sri Lanka for many years and would be willing to support where necessary.
Resources / equipment available (including funding, finances, facilities and equipment)
We are at the start of a UNICEF-funded project and so during that project the Occupational Therapist would be instrumental in recommending equipment and items that need to be bought. This project does not include Occupational Therapist wages, but it is likely we will be teaming up with Save the Children too, at which time it is possible that there would be more funds available to use on the work. We currently have a Community Support Centre and vehicle for transporting clients, toys and items for stimulation, a playground, water play items, and a strong client outreach staff partnership who visit people with disabilities in their homes.
Terms and conditions of work (hours, salary, leave, etc.)
The OT would be expected to work 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays with the weekends free. She would also have all national holidays off and an additional annual leave of 21 days. We would be able to pay the OT a salary of LKR 10,000 per month in line with our other project managers.
The current VSO volunteer monthly allowance is LKR 20,000 (approximately USD 200).
Language requirement
The most common language spoken in Galle is Sinhala. An intense four-week language training programme is provided through VSO’s in-country training upon arrival.
No motorbike training required

Volunteer accommodation
Accommodation is usually in a self-contained annexe or house or one storey of a house with a separate entrance. This tends to comprise a bed/sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. There will be electricity and running water but a telephone is unlikely. Volunteers are not expected to share accommodation. They are encouraged to build good relations with their landlords/family and to be considerate but are generally able to live privately.

ECSAT

VSO currently does not have a long-term partnership with ECSAT. However, ECSAT’s programme and approach is one of inclusion in the community, which is in line with VSO’s approach and objective of enabling people with disabilities to access their rights and participate in their communities. VSO will explore the possibility of developing a long-term partnership with ECSAT in the future around shared objectives.

The following is some organisational information on ECSAT. Additional information is on their website ... www.ecsatlanka.org

Name: ECSAT stands for Equality-based Community Support And Training, and the
meaning of the entire word in Sinhala is ‘Unified’.

Vision: ‘A society in which vulnerable people are supported in their own communities in the
spirit of equality.’

Mission: ‘To provide holistic support services in the community to vulnerable people and
their families, enabling them to live their lives as fully as possible.’

Objectives:
Help tsunami-affected children and their families to rebuild their lives.
Ensure people with disabilities can live in their communities.
Build skills and promote work opportunities for the differently abled.

Strategies:
Strategy 1 : Child Support Groups to encourage children to support each other, both
Centre-based and mobile units.
: Day Care for children so their parents can rebuild their lives in the knowledge
that their children are safe.
: Provision of a safe area that all local children can access to play or study in a
supportive environment
: Provision of nutritious lunch and snack for children in attendance
: Parent support groups

Strategy 2 : Day care services so that parents can keep their children at home while still
being able to work.
: Therapy services so people do not need to travel far for rehabilitation.
: Parent support groups so parents have emotional support.
: Parental training to enable them to stimulate and support their children.

Strategy 3 : Life skills training for adults and young people with disabilities.
: Vocational training for adults with disabilities.
: Giving assistance to trainees in finding work by liasing with employers.
: Social activities and peer support for people with disabilities to build social
and emotional skills.

Principles:
· All people have the right to live in their own communities as equal members.
· Rehabilitation is holistic, including not only medical aspects but also social, vocational
and emotional ones.
· At all times we will work in a transparent and honest way so that individuals within and
outside of the organization can see what we are doing.
· Regardless of status, ability, gender, ethnicity, or religion, we will always listen to and
include our beneficiaries at every level of the organization.
· We work to support vulnerable people not out of pity, but out of the recognition that
community based services are their right.

Welcome

Hello, hello, hello to one and all....

Welcome to my diary page. After great thought as to how I would enable others to follow me in my work, progress, and adventures overseas, I stumbled across the opportunity to create a site that I could update and present information on, and that could be viewed by others. And this is the result....So I hope you will find it easy to follow, interesting and entertaining in parts!

VSO is a leading development charity with almost 1,500 skilled professionals currently working in over 34 countries around the world. VSO's unique approach to international development is founded on volunteers, working together and with local communities to fight poverty and achieve lasting change. It currently focusses on enabling countries to address issues in terms of 'HIV and AIDS'; 'Secure Livelihoods'; 'Participation and Governance'; 'Disability'; 'Education'; and 'Health and Wellbeing'.

So first of all, please read the 'about me' section that just gives an overview of what my trip to Sri Lanka is all about. Part of my role is to also advise and network with the Sri Lanka OT school, local government, other NGO's, trustees such as OXFAM and SAVE THE CHILDREN, and community groups, to develop simple information sharing and working systems around challenging disability issues.

The big picture below is of all my fellow expatriats from the 'Youth for Development' program....(im towards the middle right hand side of the picture)....there are 56 of us from all around the UK, and from often very different backgrounds and regions. We are all aged between 18 and 25 years old, and do not necessarily have a profession, however all have been students at some point, and have a shared interest in development work in general. Some people have studied development work at some time, others like me have been working recently and have more practical skills. I hope to be able to include a link on my site to other relevant websites related to VSO and my placement, as well as to other people's YFD websites, to allow you to look at projects being done in other areas of the world.

I aim to post a new diary page weekly....although of course this may vary depending on how much free time I find myself with! It may also be that when something happens that I think may interest you, I will write about it specifically....for example about the many religious or cultural festivals that Sri Lanka celebrate as they happen, about particular places or people I visit, or any interesting facts I discover. I also plan to take a camera with me, and to post pictures on here for you all to see....of course this will depend on my ability to actually work out how to transfer pictures onto the site!!!

I do hope you enjoy following me on my adventures, and of course contact me by email to let me know how you are, what you are up to, and any news Im missing out on!!! My email address is: angelfish148@hotmail.com

Love Sarah