Presentation by the students - The Philippines Eye Hear Mission

REMOVING THE BANDAGE IS WHAT THE MEDICAL MISSION IS ALL ABOUT

Every time I listen to and watch the presentation from the students at LaTrobe University who are selected for the Eye and Ear Mission to the Philippines, I am moved. I am moved because of the expansive nature of this project and more importantly due to the results it achieves.

 

The four students who spoke - Lauren Vernon, Kali Evans, Shawna Sapuppo and Lauren Sills- described what they experienced in an exemplary manner. The crowds of children, the schools, the community centres, the sports centres, the supporting medical staff- all these factors consistently arise in the way they describe their time in the Philippines.

 

Doug Hawley, for very good reasons, is always the man of the hour. His dedication to the Medical Mission is awesome. The way the students explained what they did, who was involved and how the processes took place, makes one marvel at the detailed organization required to achieve successful outcomes.

 

For each of the students, one major element of the Medical Mission which emerges is the gratitude which was displayed by members of the various communities in the Philippines. Given the fact that the poorest members of the communities in the Philippines are the recipients in this project, it is generally gratifying to learn of the glasses made and distributed, the cataracts operated on and other minor eye and ear issues.

Rotary does indeed provide service above self. Rotary acts in practical and administratively methodical ways, to achieve real results, which improves people's lives. The is what we learned tonight.

Anne J

 

And the stats?

 

Well to start with there were 22 volunteers from Australia including 4 La Trobe Orthoptic students and 18 Rotarians and Friends of Rotary

 

Since inception RC Canterbury has sponsored 56 La Trobe Orthoptic students to participate in the missions

 

 

Finally a thankyou card from the students