Warrnambool’s Southwest Healthcare will have to do without two of it’s critical care nurses in August when the pair travel to Kenya to change the lives of those in need.
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Nurses Jasmine Chakir and Nicole Clayton will volunteer as part of the Nurses in Action program based at the Odede Community Health Centre in Kenya.
The pair are hoping to raise $10,000 within the next 11 weeks to sponsor their commitment.
The month-long program is run by World Youth International, an Australian not-for-profit organisation which operates community development programs in Kenya and Nepal.
Mrs Chakir and Ms Clayton both work as critical care nurses in the emergency department at the Warrnambool Base Hospital.
Although the pair have been warned about expected conditions both admit they are expecting a life-changing experience.
“The prospect of volunteer nursing is something that I have pondered for quite some time,” said Mrs Chakir
“I have reached a point in my life and career that I feel it would be nice to help someone less fortunate and give something back.”
Both admit they will be drawing on their critical care experience during their time with the Kenyan people.
”The ED (Emergency Department) is an interesting place to work, hardly a dull moment and I'm sure at times, the maddest place on earth. I'm hoping the knowledge and skills obtained in the ED will equip me well for my month away.” said Mrs Chakir.
The nurses will be based in Odede, located on the banks of Lake Victoria in Kenya, about a two-hour drive from the city of Kisumu.
Most of its 20,000 population are farmers and live in extreme poverty with limited access to basic infrastructure and services, such as healthcare and education.
The number of people living with HIV is high and life expectancy is low, sitting at about 53 years old.
The pair admit the poverty will be confronting and the lack of running water will be an eye-opener.
“I don’t really know what to expect. I know it won’t be easy but I know it will be a profound experience and I know it’s my time to give back.” said Mrs Chakir.
“I have worked in many different clinical settings, nursing is all I’ve ever wanted to do, but this will be a challenge.”
The program is run through World Youth International, a not-for-profit organisation offering healthcare to communities living in extreme poverty.
