Train the Trainer Health Program
Maubisse, Timor-Leste
Sr Monica Whelan LCM
Sr Monica Whelan of IACE, along with Dr John Grootjans,
Jenny Shepherd, a registered nurse and Amy Schott, nursing
student travelled to Maubisse, Timor-Leste in September
2015 to offer the ‘Train the Trainer’ Program.
The ACU team works with the Carmelite Sisters. Amy Schott
commented “The Sisters have created wonderful community
projects that feed the people. Three days a week they hand
out rice to the local people. The children that came with the
parents to collect the rice were undernourished and had
impetigo as well as scabies.”
There were 50 East Timorese participants across the two
programs: the six-day initial program and a two-day intensive
extension program with a major focus on nutrition for those who have participated in the initial
program in previous years. The program participants graduated with a Certificate of
Participation.
The clinic in Maubisse is also managed by the Sisters. It
is truly amazing. Immunisations, TB testing, maternity
services, mental health and baby health are managed
by the doctors and Sisters.
The 'Train the Trainer' program began on the 22nd
September, 2015 with an excellent turnout of PSFs
(Village Health Promoters). I joined Dr John for his
nutrition presentation to the senior PSFs. The aim of
the day was to introduce the concept of using the local
produce to decrease malnutrition and reduce the incidence of, as John says, ‘skinny babies’.
During the presentation, the PSFs were given
$5 per group to go to the local market and
choose foods that would be nutritious for
children aged six months and up. The foods
chosen were surprising. Packet soup mix is
commonly given to babies.
Bubblegum was chosen as it was thought to
contain vitamins as it had a picture of fruit on
it. The issue raised was that all the produce
grown goes to market, and nothing is kept for
the babies. Avocado, mangoes, bananas and
taro grow plentifully in Maubisse.
Education involved discussing with the PSFs the possibilities for change that are available to
them. The education messages were simple and the PSFs engaged with the content
enthusiastically, so as to implement nutrition education within their own communities.
Supporters
In sharing our Sacred story we are grateful for the prayerfulness and generosity of heart of all.
Your prayers, love and support have been integral in the development of the Seven Eleven
Farmacia, Baucau and the Train the Trainer Health programs which are contributing to
improvements in the ongoing provision of health care for the people of Timor-Leste.
Maubisse 2015 TTT Program
Participants demonstrating a patient lift
Graduates with their Certificates
“The Timorese are friendly, vibrant people who have welcomed
us into their community. I feel privileged for being given the
opportunity to be a part of a community developing change.”
ACU Nursing Student, 2015
For more information please contact:
Sr Monica Whelan LCM
Institute for Advancing Community Engagement
Australian Catholic University
www.acu.edu.au/iace
e: [email protected]
p: +61 2 9701 4142